At $6,569/yr net price, Monroe Community College graduates earn $40,174/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,174/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,569 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,276 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,174/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,174/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,809/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,186/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,157/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,626/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,462/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $75,706 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,898 | $16,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,320 | $13,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,833 | $13,501 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,500 | $13,250 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,468 | |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,721 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,312 | $8,875 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,041 | $8,876 |
The Risk Factor
22.5% of students at Monroe 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
Monroe Community College delivers strong financial returns for career-focused programs despite a concerning 22.5% graduation rate. The $6,569 annual net price makes it one of the most affordable options in New York, but your success depends heavily on completing your program and choosing the right field.
Criminal Justice graduates earn $75,706 annually, making it the clear financial winner. Nursing delivers solid returns at $58,898 despite higher debt loads of $16,500. Allied health diagnostic programs and dental support services both provide middle-class wages around $50,000 with manageable debt. Electrical engineering technology offers decent returns at $45,500.
The major risk is the low graduation rate, which suggests many students either transfer or drop out. If you need extensive academic support or struggle with self-direction, this could derail your investment. The median debt of $9,750 is reasonable for completers, but non-graduates still owe money without the credential.
Monroe works best if you have clear career goals in healthcare, criminal justice, or skilled trades and can handle a less structured environment. Adult learners returning for specific credentials often succeed here. The school makes less sense if you need significant academic scaffolding or plan to transfer to a four-year program, where the low graduation rate becomes a warning sign about institutional support.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means many pay even less. Focus on programs with strong local employer connections rather than general studies tracks that lead nowhere specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monroe Community College worth the cost?
Monroe Community College offers good value with a low net price of $6,569 per year and modest debt levels around $9,750. However, the 22.5% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your ability to complete your degree.
What are the best paying programs at Monroe Community College?
Criminal Justice graduates earn the highest at $75,706 annually, followed by nursing programs at $58,898. These programs offer strong returns given the school's low cost, though nursing has competitive admission requirements.
How much debt do Monroe Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $9,750 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings of $40,174 ten years after graduation.
What is the graduation rate at Monroe Community College?
Only 22.5% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their programs or transfer successfully to four-year schools.