At $21,348/yr net price, Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus graduates earn $38,830/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,830/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,348 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,392 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,830/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,830/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,969/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,428/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,369/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,132 | $19,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,685 | $19,075 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $28,236 | $18,625 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,771 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
26.8% of students at Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus 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
Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates at economic disadvantage. With median earnings of $38,830 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,348 annually, you face a challenging payback period made worse by the school's 27% graduation rate.
The nursing program offers the only viable financial pathway, generating $40,132 in median earnings against $19,000 in debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment. All other programs fail financially. Medical assisting graduates earn just $29,685 to $28,236 while carrying similar debt loads, creating years of financial strain. Business administration graduates face the worst outcome, earning $22,771 against $23,250 in debt.
Your biggest risk is the graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. The high aid percentage of 80% suggests most students struggle with affordability, yet the net price remains steep for a two-year program.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to enter nursing and have strong academic preparation that makes you likely to complete the program. Medical assisting students should explore community college alternatives that offer better value. Business students should avoid this school entirely.
You will likely qualify for financial aid given the school's aid patterns, but federal aid limits mean you may need private loans to cover costs. Focus on completion strategies and consider part-time enrollment to reduce borrowing if you choose to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus worth the cost?
The return on investment is mixed at best. While nursing graduates earn around $40,000 annually, the low 27% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus have the best job prospects?
Practical nursing offers the strongest earnings potential at about $40,000 per year. Business and medical assisting programs show significantly lower returns at $22,000-29,000 annually.
How much debt do Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $19,000 in debt. Given the low graduation rate and modest earnings for most programs, this debt load poses real financial risk for many students.
Does Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus have good graduation rates?
No, only 27% of students graduate. This means nearly three out of four students leave without completing their program, often while still carrying debt.