At $8,404/yr net price, Mohawk Valley Community College graduates earn $39,850/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,850/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,404 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,850/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,850/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,978/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,244/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,020/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,568/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,660/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $38,289 | $6,875 |
The Risk Factor
34.7% of students at Mohawk Valley 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
Mohawk Valley Community College delivers below-average financial returns with median earnings of $39,850 ten years after enrollment and a concerning 34.7% graduation rate. Your investment faces significant completion risk, as two-thirds of students don't finish their programs.
The vehicle maintenance and repair program offers the strongest financial outcome at $38,289 annually with just $6,875 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Most other programs at MVCC struggle to justify their costs when weighed against regional earning potential in the Utica area.
Your biggest financial risk is non-completion. With graduation rates this low, you could accumulate debt without earning a credential. The $11,000 median debt load appears reasonable, but only if you actually graduate and find employment in your field.
MVCC works best financially if you're pursuing automotive technology or entering with clear career goals in high-demand local industries. Skip this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside their automotive specialty. The low graduation rate suggests weak student support systems that could derail your investment.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 30% of students, limiting affordability options. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs and debt accumulation. Consider whether local employers actually hire MVCC graduates in your intended field before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mohawk Valley Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,404 annually and graduates earning $39,850 ten years later, MVCC offers reasonable value for a community college. However, the 35% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Mohawk Valley Community College have the best ROI?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn around $38,289, which provides solid returns given the low tuition costs. Most other programs at MVCC lead to earnings below $40,000.
How much debt do Mohawk Valley Community College students typically graduate with?
MVCC graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable for a two-year degree. The low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
What are the risks of attending Mohawk Valley Community College?
The biggest risk is the low 35% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. Students who do graduate face limited earning potential in most career paths.