At $7,070/yr net price, Miles Community College graduates earn $42,862/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,862/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,070 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,862/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,862/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,435/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,828/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,399/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,186/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 | $47,260 | $18,500 |
The Risk Factor
48.8% of students at Miles 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
Miles Community College offers a solid financial return for a two-year institution, with graduates earning a median of $42,862 annually while carrying just $11,500 in debt. Your debt-to-income ratio stays manageable even with the college's modest 49% graduation rate.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates who earn $47,260 per year. While nursing students carry higher debt at $18,500, the premium salary justifies the additional borrowing. This program aligns well with Montana's healthcare job market, where registered nurses face strong demand in rural communities.
Your biggest risk centers on completion. Nearly half of students don't graduate, which leaves you with debt but no credential. The college's rural location limits job diversity if your chosen field doesn't pan out locally, potentially forcing you to relocate for work.
Miles Community College works best if you're targeting healthcare careers or need affordable general education credits before transferring. The low net price of $7,070 makes it accessible even without significant financial aid, and only 24% of students receive aid anyway. You'll find limited merit scholarship opportunities at this small public institution.
Skip this college if you want programs beyond nursing or basic trades. The limited program selection means you might waste time if you change majors. Students seeking diverse career paths or extensive campus resources should consider larger community colleges or universities despite higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miles Community College worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Miles Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,070 per year and manageable debt of $11,500. However, the 49% graduation rate means about half of students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Miles Community College?
Nursing programs at Miles Community College provide the best financial returns, with graduates earning around $47,260 annually. This represents a solid ROI given the school's low cost, though completion rates remain a concern across all programs.
How much debt do Miles Community College graduates typically have?
Miles Community College graduates carry a median debt of $11,500, which is relatively low for higher education. With average earnings of $42,862 ten years after enrollment, most graduates can manage this debt load reasonably well.
Should I attend Miles Community College if I'm concerned about job prospects?
Miles Community College graduates earn $42,862 on average ten years later, which is modest but reasonable for a community college. The low graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited, so success depends heavily on your motivation and preparation.