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 gives you a low-cost entry with a solid, if modest, payoff. At roughly $7,070 a year in net price and a median debt of $11,500 at graduation, you are not taking on the kind of loan load that follows people for decades. Ten years out, median earnings sit around $42,862. That won't make you wealthy, but against what you pay to attend, the math works out in your favor.
Nursing is the clear win here. The associate program in registered nursing pushes earnings above $47,000, the top figure on this campus. Yes, it carries more debt than the school average, but $18,500 for a credential that leads to a licensed, in-demand job in rural Montana is a reasonable trade. Miles City and the surrounding region need nurses, and that demand shows up in the pay.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and the ROI story only holds if you graduate. If you take on debt and leave without the credential, you get the cost with none of the earnings bump. Nursing in particular is demanding, so go in with a plan to finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay around $5,435, the cheapest tier. Costs climb as income rises, topping out near $10,186 over $110,000. Even at the high end, this stays affordable for a two-year school.
This school fits you if you want a specific, job-ready credential close to home without heavy borrowing, especially in nursing. Look elsewhere if you want a degree tied to high-paying fields not listed here, or if you are unsure you'll finish. The value here comes from keeping costs down and walking out with a credential that regional employers actually hire for.
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.