At $11,123/yr net price, Mineral Area College graduates earn $35,352/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,352/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,123 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,352/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,352/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 32.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,721/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,444/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,878/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,927/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,121/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 | $48,667 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,957 | $6,624 |
The Risk Factor
42.3% of students at Mineral Area 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
Mineral Area College offers decent returns if you pick the right program, but your major choice makes all the difference. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $48,667 annually against just $12,000 in debt. Criminal justice graduates also see reasonable returns at $35,060, though debt figures aren't available for comparison.
Liberal arts students face poor financial prospects, earning only $19,957 after graduation despite carrying $6,624 in debt. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging. The 42% graduation rate adds another layer of risk, meaning you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential.
The $11,123 annual net price keeps costs manageable compared to four-year schools, but only 31% of students receive financial aid. This suggests limited grant opportunities, so you'll likely pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for federal Pell grants.
This school works best if you're pursuing nursing or criminal justice and can commit to finishing your program. The low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their studies, so you need strong academic preparation and clear career focus. Skip Mineral Area if you're considering liberal arts or lack certainty about your program choice. The combination of weak completion rates and poor outcomes in general studies programs creates substantial financial risk for undecided students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mineral Area College worth the cost?
Mineral Area College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $11,123 annually and minimal debt of $10,500. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $35,352 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Mineral Area College?
Nursing programs at Mineral Area College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $48,667 annually. Criminal Justice graduates earn about $35,060, while Liberal Arts graduates average just $19,957.
How much debt do Mineral Area College graduates have?
Mineral Area College graduates typically leave with $10,500 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is Mineral Area College's graduation rate?
Only 42% of students graduate from Mineral Area College, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.