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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. You'll spend under $7,000 a year on average and carry less than $10,000 in debt at graduation, which keeps your downside small. But the median earnings ten years out land near $40,000, so this is a place to train for a specific job, not a broad bet on a degree.
The health programs are where the money is. Registered Nursing pays the most among the associate degrees and stays in demand across Rochester's hospital systems. Allied Health and Dental Support Services also clear $45,000 and lead to licensed roles you can start with a two-year credential. Electrical Engineering Technology rounds out the strong list, feeding local manufacturing and utility work. These are the majors worth enrolling for.
The risk here is the graduation rate. Fewer than one in four students finishes, so the debt-and-no-degree scenario is real. Nursing and the allied health tracks carry higher debt loads (around $16,500 for nursing) because they take longer and require clinical hours, so dropping out of those costs you more with nothing to show. Pick your program before you enroll and commit to finishing it.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $30,000, where your yearly cost drops below $4,000. If your family makes over $110,000, you'll pay closer to $13,500, which weakens the value of a degree that median-earns $40,000. This school fits you best if you're targeting nursing, allied health, or a technical trade and want to keep debt low. If you want a four-year bachelor's payoff or an undecided liberal arts path, look elsewhere or use MCC only as a cheap transfer step.
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.