At $4,352/yr net price, Montcalm Community College graduates earn $35,499/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,499/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,352 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,499/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,499/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,230/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,012/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,582/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,142/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,978/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 | $56,022 | $20,273 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,141 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $21,508 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,921 | $11,177 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
26.9% of students at Montcalm 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
Montcalm Community College delivers solid returns for nursing students but disappointing outcomes for most other programs. At $4,352 annually, the school costs less than half the national average for community colleges, making it one of Michigan's most affordable options.
Your best financial bet is the registered nursing program, where graduates earn $56,022 within ten years. Even with $20,273 in debt, nursing students see their investment pay off within four years of graduation. The practical nursing program offers a lower-cost entry point into healthcare, though earnings top out around $21,500.
Most other programs struggle financially. Accounting graduates earn just $29,141, while liberal arts students average $20,921 despite carrying $11,177 in debt. These low earnings reflect limited job opportunities in rural Montcalm County, where manufacturing and agriculture dominate the local economy.
The school's 27% graduation rate creates substantial risk for your investment. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Only 29% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay out-of-pocket or rely heavily on loans.
Montcalm makes financial sense if you live locally and want to enter nursing or need extremely low-cost general education credits before transferring. The school works well for students who can commute from home and avoid housing costs. However, you should look elsewhere if you want strong career prospects outside healthcare, need extensive student support services, or plan to complete a four-year degree without transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montcalm Community College worth the money?
Montcalm Community College offers good value with a low net price of $4,352 per year, but the 27% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing programs provide strong returns with median earnings of $56,022, while other programs show weaker outcomes.
What programs at Montcalm Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing graduates from Montcalm Community College earn a median of $56,022 annually, making it the clear winner. Accounting graduates earn $29,141, while liberal arts majors only reach $20,921.
How much debt do Montcalm Community College graduates have?
Montcalm Community College graduates have a median debt of $16,500, which is manageable for nursing majors but may be problematic for lower-earning programs like liberal arts.
What is the graduation rate at Montcalm Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate from Montcalm Community College. This low completion rate means many students may leave with debt but no degree to show for it.