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 keeps costs low and debt manageable, but your outcome depends heavily on which program you pick. With a median debt around $8,200 and a net price near $4,000 a year, you graduate owing less than one year's earnings even at the school-wide median. That low-debt profile is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The gap between programs is where your money is actually made or lost. Registered Nursing pays roughly $56,000 ten years out against about $7,600 in debt, the best combination of high pay and low borrowing here. Heavy equipment maintenance, electrical and power transmission, and computer and information sciences all clear $50,000, and vehicle maintenance sits close behind. These are the associate-level tracks that turn a cheap credential into real regional earning power in Omaha's trades and health sectors.
The main risk is completion. Only about a quarter of students graduate, so the low debt only pays off if you actually finish. Start a program, drop out, and you carry cost with no credential to show for it. The school-wide median earnings of roughly $38,800 also sit well below the top programs, meaning many students land in lower-paying fields or leave without a degree.
You're a good fit here if you're aiming for nursing, a skilled trade, or IT and you're committed to finishing. If you're under $30k in family income, your net price drops below $3,000 a year, making this one of the cheapest paths to a wage-earning credential in the area. Above $110k, you pay closer to $8,800, still low but a smaller bargain. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree, since the payoff programs here all top out at the associate level.
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.