At $3,694/yr net price, Middlesex Community College graduates earn $50,651/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,651/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,694 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,651/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,651/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,291 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,564/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,830/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,006/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,618/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $57,318 | $13,312 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $56,641 | $10,375 |
| Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician. | Associate | $44,971 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $41,087 | $6,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $30,047 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,203 | $6,310 |
The Risk Factor
22.7% of students at Middlesex Community College 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
Middlesex Community College delivers solid financial returns if you pick the right program and actually graduate. The dental and allied health programs generate strong earnings that justify their higher debt loads, while the low overall net price of under $3,700 annually keeps your financial risk manageable.
Your program choice determines everything here. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics both push median earnings above $56,000, making them clear winners despite carrying debt loads of $10,000 to $13,000. Business administration offers a middle path with decent $41,000 earnings and just $6,500 in debt. Avoid teacher education, which produces the lowest returns at $30,000 annually.
The biggest financial risk is the 22% graduation rate. If you do not finish your degree, you gain little from the investment. This makes Middlesex best suited for motivated students who can commit to completing their programs, particularly those targeting healthcare careers where the regional job market remains strong.
Financial aid coverage is unusually low, with only 19% of students receiving aid. This suggests most students pay the full net price, but also means merit-based aid may be available for strong applicants. The low sticker price makes this less critical than at expensive schools.
Middlesex works best for career-focused students entering healthcare fields or those seeking affordable business training. Skip this school if you need extensive academic support to graduate or want a traditional college experience. The numbers only work if you finish your degree in a high-earning program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middlesex Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,694 per year and graduates earning $50,651 annually after 10 years, Middlesex Community College offers solid financial value. The low debt burden of $7,291 makes it a relatively safe investment, though the 23% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Middlesex Community College?
Dental support services ($57,318) and allied health diagnostic programs ($56,641) offer the highest earnings at Middlesex Community College. These programs significantly outperform the general graduate average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Middlesex Community College graduates have?
Middlesex Community College graduates typically carry $7,291 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost. This debt level is reasonable compared to earnings potential, especially for health-related programs.
Why is Middlesex Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 23% of students graduate from Middlesex Community College, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. This low rate means the earnings data only reflects successful completers, not all enrollees.