At $6,811/yr net price, Meridian Community College graduates earn $31,002/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,811 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,002/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,998/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,521 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,811/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 | $51,224 | $9,097 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,384 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $19,957 | $6,126 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,794 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,048 |
The Risk Factor
44.2% of students at Meridian Community 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 Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $51,224 annually against just $9,097 in debt, creating an strong payback timeline. Allied health programs also perform well, with medical assisting services reaching $44,384 in median earnings.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside healthcare. Most graduates earn just $31,002 ten years after enrollment, barely above what many high school graduates achieve without college debt. With a 44% graduation rate, you face significant odds of leaving without credentials while still carrying debt.
Your biggest risk at Meridian is program selection. Choose anything outside nursing or allied health, and you will likely struggle to justify the investment. Even precision metal working, typically a solid trade choice, produces only $29,685 in median earnings here. Health administrative services graduates fare even worse at $28,019 annually.
This school makes financial sense only if you gain admission to nursing or allied health programs. The low median debt of $5,521 helps, but poor graduation rates mean many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. The 40% financial aid rate suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities.
If you cannot secure a spot in healthcare programs, look elsewhere. The combination of low earnings potential and mediocre graduation rates makes most programs at Meridian a poor financial bet. Focus your application efforts on the nursing program specifically, or consider other institutions with stronger outcomes in your intended field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meridian Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,811 annually and median debt of only $5,521, Meridian Community College offers good value for students who complete their programs. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Meridian Community College?
Nursing programs at Meridian Community College lead to the best earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,224 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $44,384, while precision metal working graduates earn about $29,685.
How much debt do Meridian Community College graduates have?
Meridian Community College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $5,521. The low annual cost of $6,811 helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
Do Meridian Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings at Meridian Community College average $31,002 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost. Nursing and allied health graduates earn significantly more, while other programs may struggle to provide strong returns.