At $7,697/yr net price, Montgomery Community College graduates earn $32,742/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,697 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,742/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,258/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,517/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,977/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,131/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,099/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
53.8% of students at Montgomery Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Montgomery Community College gives you a modest but low-risk financial return. At $7,697 a year, this is one of the cheaper paths into the workforce, and the 53.8% graduation rate means more than half of you finish. But the payoff is small: a decade out, typical earnings sit close to what a full-time job at minimum wage produces. This is a school where the low cost, not the salary, does the work.
The clearest payoff here is the practical nursing certificate, which leads earnings among the programs listed. That credential ties to a stable regional demand for licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants, and it costs you far less time than a four-year degree. If you come to Troy for nursing, you have a defined job at the end. No bachelor-level program earnings are reported, so treat this as a certificate-and-workforce school, not a bachelor's pipeline.
The specific risk is the earnings ceiling. If you enroll in a general track without a clear vocational target, you may leave with a credential that does little to raise your income above the median shown. The other risk is not finishing: nearly half of you don't graduate, and a certificate you don't complete returns nothing on the money and time you spent.
Net price barely moves across income levels, and families earning $75k-$110k actually pay the least. Lower-income families do not get a meaningfully cheaper deal here, so the sticker price is close to what most of you will pay regardless of income.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or trade certificate, live near Troy, and want to spend little to enter the workforce fast. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or earnings well above the local median.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montgomery Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $7,697 per year, Montgomery Community College offers relatively affordable tuition, but graduates earn $32,742 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low cost helps offset the modest earning potential, making it a reasonable choice for students seeking affordable workforce training.
What programs at Montgomery Community College have the best return on investment?
The nursing programs, including Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistants, produce graduates earning around $33,993 annually. These healthcare programs offer the strongest earning potential at the school and align with local job market demand.
How much debt do Montgomery Community College students typically graduate with?
With a net price of $7,697 per year, students can complete their programs with relatively low debt compared to four-year institutions. However, only 54% of students graduate, so there's significant risk of accumulating debt without completing a credential.
Does Montgomery Community College prepare students for good-paying jobs?
Graduate earnings of $32,742 after 10 years are modest but reflect the school's focus on local workforce needs rather than high-paying careers. Students should view this as job training rather than a path to high earnings.