At $5,261/yr net price, Monroe County Community College graduates earn $41,646/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,646/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,261 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,646/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,646/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,296 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,982/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,019/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,086/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,391/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,117/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 | $57,811 | $14,835 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | $13,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,681 | $11,041 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $27,204 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,421 | $13,443 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $16,786 |
The Risk Factor
31.4% of students at Monroe County 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 County Community College delivers strong ROI for health program students but weak returns for most other majors. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,811 annually, making the $14,835 debt load manageable. Allied health programs also perform well at $51,482 in median earnings.
Liberal arts graduates face a much tougher financial reality, earning just $27,681 with $11,041 in debt. Business administration produces the worst outcome with earnings of only $24,421 despite carrying $13,443 in debt. Culinary arts graduates earn similar wages to liberal arts students but with less available debt data.
The school's 31% graduation rate creates significant risk. You pay for classes whether you finish or not, and dropping out means facing debt without the credential. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for struggling students.
MCCC works best for career changers entering healthcare who can handle the academic demands and complete their programs. The nursing track offers genuine financial mobility in southeastern Michigan's healthcare market. Skip this school if you want a business degree or general studies credential, as the debt burden outweighs earning potential in those fields.
The low net price of $5,261 annually makes MCCC affordable upfront, but the graduation rate means many students end up paying more than expected when they extend their enrollment or restart programs. Your success depends entirely on picking the right major and finishing what you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monroe County Community College worth the money?
Monroe County Community College offers good value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $57,811 annually while the school costs only $5,261 per year, but liberal arts graduates average just $27,681.
What are the best paying programs at Monroe County Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Monroe County Community College, with graduates earning $57,811 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $51,482, while business and culinary programs lag behind at around $25,000.
How much debt do Monroe County Community College students graduate with?
Monroe County Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,296. This is manageable for nursing graduates who earn $57,811, but creates financial strain for those in lower-paying fields like business or culinary arts.
What is the graduation rate at Monroe County Community College?
Only 31.4% of students graduate from Monroe County Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making careful program selection and academic planning critical.