At $6,602/yr net price, Mid-Plains Community College graduates earn $40,059/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,059/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,602 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,059/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,059/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,995 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,448/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,578/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,659/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,446/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,250/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 | $51,482 | $15,515 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | $6,500 |
The Risk Factor
45.6% of students at Mid-Plains 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
Mid-Plains Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but falls short for general education tracks. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $51,482, easily justifying its $15,515 debt load in Nebraska's healthcare market where RNs remain in high demand.
Vehicle maintenance and repair programs offer decent earning potential at $29,322 without heavy debt burdens, aligning well with North Platte's transportation and agricultural equipment needs. Business programs produce more modest returns, with administration majors earning $25,194 and operations support graduates making $26,933.
Liberal arts transfers present the weakest financial case. At $18,315 in median earnings, you'll struggle to justify even the relatively low $6,500 debt load, especially if you don't complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
The school's 45.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without completing credentials, undermining any ROI calculation. This matters most for students pursuing longer programs or those with weaker academic preparation.
Financial aid coverage remains limited, with only 17.7% of students receiving assistance. This makes Mid-Plains best suited for Nebraska residents who can afford the $6,602 annual cost without borrowing heavily, particularly those targeting healthcare or skilled trades.
You should consider Mid-Plains if you're committed to nursing, automotive technology, or need affordable general education credits before transferring. Look elsewhere if you're uncertain about your major, struggle with program completion, or want extensive financial aid options. The school works best as a focused stepping stone, not an exploratory experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mid-Plains Community College worth the cost?
Mid-Plains Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,602 per year and manageable debt of $9,995. However, the 45.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Mid-Plains Community College?
Nursing programs at Mid-Plains Community College lead to the highest earnings at $51,482 annually, making them the clear best value. Vehicle maintenance pays $29,322, while liberal arts graduates earn just $18,315.
How much debt do Mid-Plains Community College graduates have?
Mid-Plains Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,995, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the school's overall value proposition.
Do Mid-Plains Community College graduates get good jobs?
Mid-Plains Community College graduates earn $40,059 ten years after starting school, which is reasonable given the low cost. Nursing graduates do much better financially, while liberal arts graduates struggle with lower wages.