At $6,935/yr net price, Moberly Area Community College graduates earn $37,537/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,537/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,935 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,537/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,537/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,658 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,708/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,410/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,479/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,154/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,752/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 | $53,608 | $13,600 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,500 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,848 | $12,562 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $33,687 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,572 | $9,494 |
The Risk Factor
39.5% of students at Moberly Area 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
Moberly Area Community College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The $6,935 annual net price makes this one of Missouri's most affordable community colleges, though the 39.5% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without completing their programs.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $53,608 annually against $13,600 in debt. Allied health and medical assisting programs also perform well at $45,500 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks benefit from strong regional demand in rural Missouri's aging communities.
Practical nursing offers a faster path to healthcare employment but generates lower returns at $36,848 annually. Criminal justice graduates face limited local opportunities, earning just $33,687 despite the program's popularity. Liberal arts and humanities majors see the weakest outcomes at $22,572, barely above minimum wage work despite nearly $9,500 in debt.
You face significant completion risk at Moberly, with six out of ten students failing to graduate. This risk is particularly costly if you're pursuing lower-earning programs like liberal arts. The school works best for students committed to specific healthcare careers who can leverage the strong regional job market for nurses and medical assistants.
Only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without assistance. Merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. Your best financial strategy involves choosing healthcare programs and completing your degree quickly to minimize both costs and opportunity costs in Missouri's rural job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moberly Area Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,935 per year and median debt of $10,658, Moberly Area Community College offers reasonable affordability. However, the 39.5% graduation rate and median earnings of $37,537 ten years after enrollment suggest mixed value depending on your program choice.
What are the highest paying programs at Moberly Area Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn the most at $53,608 annually, followed by allied health and medical assisting at $45,500. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $22,572, making program selection critical for ROI.
How much debt do Moberly Area Community College students typically have?
The median debt is $10,658, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. This low debt load helps offset the relatively modest earning potential for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Moberly Area Community College?
Only 39.5% of students graduate, which is below the national average for community colleges. This low completion rate increases the risk that students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.