At $32,089/yr net price, Meridian College graduates earn $33,735/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,089 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,735/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-265/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,995/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,316/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,441/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,062/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,062/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,670 | $27,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
50.8% of students at Meridian College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Meridian College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the high costs. With a net price over $32,000 annually and median graduate earnings of just $33,735 ten years after enrollment, you're looking at minimal income growth that barely covers the investment.
The graduation rate of 51% means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. Even graduates who complete their degrees face challenging economics. The highest-paying program, Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment, produces earnings of $31,670 but saddles graduates with $27,000 in debt. Health and Medical Administrative Services offers better debt-to-earnings ratios with the same $13,000 median debt but lower pay at $29,685.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting represents the worst value proposition, combining the lowest earnings at $25,194 with the standard debt load. These wages struggle to support loan payments while covering basic living expenses in the Sarasota market.
The school works financially only for students who can minimize borrowing through family support or employer sponsorship. If you need loans to attend, the debt-to-income ratios create long-term financial stress. The relatively low median debt of $13,000 across most programs suggests many students avoid heavy borrowing, but this likely reflects high dropout rates rather than affordability.
You should consider community colleges or state schools that offer similar healthcare training at lower costs. Meridian College makes sense only if you can pay cash, have guaranteed job placement, or need the specific scheduling flexibility that justifies the premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meridian College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $33,735 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $32,089 per year, Meridian College offers minimal return on investment. The low graduation rate of 50.8% adds significant risk to an already poor financial outcome.
What programs at Meridian College have the best job prospects?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs show the highest earnings at $31,670, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $29,685. However, all top programs still produce earnings below the school's annual cost.
How much debt do Meridian College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $13,000, which helps offset some of the poor earnings outcomes. This lower debt burden makes the financial risk more manageable than at higher-debt institutions.
Does Meridian College have good graduation rates?
Only 50.8% of students graduate from Meridian College, meaning nearly half of students leave without a degree. This high dropout rate significantly increases the financial risk of enrollment.