At $7,240/yr net price, Montgomery College graduates earn $50,159/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,159/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,240 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,159/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,159/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,415 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,119/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,948/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,266/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,375/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,923/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 | $63,546 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $62,012 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $30,409 | $10,898 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $9,000 |
The Risk Factor
27.5% of students at Montgomery 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
Montgomery College delivers solid financial returns if you pick the right program, but the low graduation rate creates significant risk for many students. The nursing and allied health programs justify the investment with median earnings above $60,000, while liberal arts graduates earn just $21,500 annually.
Your program choice matters more here than at most schools. Nursing graduates earn nearly three times what liberal arts majors make, transforming a $7,240 annual investment into strong career prospects. The allied health diagnostic programs also deliver solid returns. Business majors land in the middle at $30,400, which provides decent value given the low debt load of $10,900.
The 27.5% graduation rate represents Montgomery College's biggest financial risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive support services, this environment may not suit you financially.
Montgomery College works best for career-focused students entering healthcare fields or those using it as an affordable stepping stone to four-year schools. The $10,415 median debt load stays manageable compared to four-year alternatives. Since only 25% of students receive financial aid, most pay close to the full $7,240 sticker price.
Skip Montgomery College if you want liberal arts education or lack clear career direction. The low graduation rates and weak earnings in general programs create poor financial outcomes for unfocused students. However, if you can handle the self-directed environment and choose nursing or allied health, the combination of low costs and strong job prospects in the DC metro area creates excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montgomery College worth the money?
Montgomery College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,240 per year and modest debt levels around $10,400. However, the 27.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Montgomery College?
Nursing programs at Montgomery College lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $63,500 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $62,000, while general business and liberal arts programs result in much lower earnings of $30,400 and $21,500 respectively.
How much debt do Montgomery College graduates have?
Montgomery College graduates typically have low debt loads with a median of $10,415. This manageable debt level, combined with the school's affordable tuition, makes it a lower-risk option compared to four-year institutions.
Do Montgomery College graduates make good money after graduation?
Montgomery College graduates earn a median of $50,159 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Earnings vary dramatically by program, with nursing graduates earning significantly more than those in general studies or liberal arts.