At $7,144/yr net price, Marshalltown Community College graduates earn $41,010/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,010/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,144 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,010/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,010/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,712/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,229/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,269/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,418/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,254/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,478 | $17,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,669 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,904 | $8,962 |
The Risk Factor
37.4% of students at Marshalltown Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Marshalltown Community College gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff, and where you land depends almost entirely on which program you finish. The median graduate earns just above $41,000 a decade out, and you carry only $9,500 in debt to get there. That debt figure is the strongest thing this school has going for it. You are not gambling much money on the outcome.
Nursing is the program that pays. The associate nursing track clears $46,000, well above the school-wide median, and even with $17,000 in debt attached, the math works because the earnings support it. If you come here for nursing and finish, this is a solid financial bet.
The liberal arts and general studies associate degree is the opposite story. It earns under $25,000, barely above what a high school graduate makes, and it exists mostly to transfer credits to a four-year school. Treat it as a stepping stone. If you stop there, the degree does little for your income even though the debt stays low at under $9,000. The allied health certificate lands in a similar spot around $27,000.
The real risk here is the 37% graduation rate. Nearly two-thirds of students do not finish, and an unfinished nursing degree gives you the debt without the earnings that justify it. Your return depends on completing, not enrolling.
The net price scales steeply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $5,700 a year. above $110,000, closer to $10,300. Lower-income families get the best deal here, and the low sticker price makes this a reasonable place to test college without heavy borrowing.
Come here for nursing, or to transfer cheaply and finish elsewhere. If you want a terminal liberal arts degree and expect strong pay, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marshalltown Community College worth the cost?
Marshalltown Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,144 per year and modest debt levels around $9,500. However, the 37% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $41,010 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Marshalltown Community College?
Nursing programs at Marshalltown Community College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $46,478 annually. Allied health programs pay moderately well at $27,669, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,904.
How much debt do Marshalltown Community College students typically graduate with?
Marshalltown Community College students graduate with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $7,144 per year helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Marshalltown Community College?
Only 37% of students graduate from Marshalltown Community College, which is below the national average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials and may struggle to see returns on their investment.