At $7,388/yr net price, Massachusetts Bay Community College graduates earn $52,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,388 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,533/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,926/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,972/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,026/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,263/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,193 | $7,173 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,461 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $36,085 | $6,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $34,530 | $6,480 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
15.6% of students at Massachusetts Bay 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
Massachusetts Bay Community College delivers solid financial returns despite a concerning 15.6% graduation rate that signals completion challenges you need to consider carefully.
The allied health programs offer your strongest earning potential, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $48,432 annually. These healthcare tracks justify the investment given Massachusetts' strong medical sector and aging population driving demand. Vehicle maintenance also performs well at $41,193, though this comes with slightly higher debt at $7,173.
Liberal arts and business programs show weaker returns. Liberal arts graduates earn just $36,085 while business majors make $34,530, both carrying similar debt loads around $6,500. These programs may work if you plan to transfer to a four-year school, but standalone associate degrees in these fields struggle financially.
The low graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Many students accumulate debt without completing their programs, leaving them worse off than when they started. You need strong study habits and clear career goals to avoid this trap.
This school works best if you target healthcare careers, need affordable local training, or want to test college readiness without major financial exposure. The $7,388 net price keeps debt manageable when you do graduate. Skip this school if you lack clear direction, struggle with self-motivation, or can access stronger programs elsewhere. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities beyond standard federal programs.
Focus on allied health if you enroll here. Other programs offer questionable value given the completion challenges and modest earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts Bay Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,388 per year and graduates earning $52,654 after 10 years, the school offers decent financial value. However, the 15.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Massachusetts Bay Community College?
Allied health programs lead earnings at around $48,000, followed by vehicle maintenance at $41,000. Liberal arts and business programs produce lower earnings in the mid-$30,000s.
How much debt do Massachusetts Bay Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $6,500, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low debt load helps offset the risk from the school's poor graduation rates.
Should I attend Massachusetts Bay Community College or transfer to a four-year school?
If you're targeting allied health or technical programs, the school can provide good value. For other fields, consider the 84% chance you won't graduate and whether transfer options better serve your goals.