At $4,005/yr net price, Metropolitan Community College Area graduates earn $38,773/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,773/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,005 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,773/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,773/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,217 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,961/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,532/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,471/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,494/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,771/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 | $56,087 | $7,646 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $53,810 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $50,439 | $8,628 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $50,270 | $9,903 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,584 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,864 | $11,424 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $31,853 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,250 | $7,487 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $28,381 |
The Risk Factor
25.1% of students at Metropolitan Community College Area 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
Metropolitan Community College Area delivers strong financial returns for students who complete career-focused programs, but the low graduation rate creates significant risk. At $4,005 annually, the school costs less than most community colleges, yet graduates earn $38,773 median income within ten years.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $56,087 while carrying just $7,646 in debt. The skilled trades programs also perform well, with heavy equipment maintenance and electrical installation both producing graduates earning over $50,000. Computer science graduates reach similar earnings levels but carry higher debt loads at $9,903.
The major red flag is the 25% graduation rate. Three-quarters of students who start at Metro never finish their programs. This means you face substantial risk of leaving with debt but no credential. The school works best if you have clear career goals and strong motivation to complete your program.
Metro makes financial sense for Nebraska residents seeking technical training without the expense of a four-year degree. The combination of low costs and strong earnings in nursing and trades creates excellent ROI for completers. However, students uncertain about their career direction or those lacking strong study habits should consider other options given the completion challenges.
Financial aid reaches only 20% of students, suggesting most pay the full sticker price. The low net price makes merit scholarships less critical than at expensive schools, but you should still explore available aid options to minimize borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolitan Community College Area worth the money?
Metropolitan Community College Area offers strong value with a low net price of $4,005 per year and modest debt levels around $8,200. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your ability to complete your program.
What programs at Metropolitan Community College Area have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $56,087 annually, followed by heavy equipment maintenance at $53,810. These technical programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $38,773.
How much debt will I have after Metropolitan Community College Area?
Typical graduates leave with $8,217 in debt, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low annual cost of $4,005 helps keep borrowing minimal.
Does Metropolitan Community College Area have a good graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 25%, meaning three out of four students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering enrollment at Metropolitan Community College Area.