At $9,930/yr net price, Montgomery County Community College graduates earn $46,108/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,108/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,930 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,108/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,108/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,349 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,468/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,928/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,740/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,537/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,453/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $61,814 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,770 | $16,248 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $13,470 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,585 | $14,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 | $9,587 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | $12,608 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $33,459 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,305 | $10,643 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,212 | $19,655 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $26,850 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
23.3% of students at Montgomery 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
Montgomery County Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with a low net price of $9,930 annually and manageable debt loads across most programs. The school's proximity to Philadelphia creates strong job placement opportunities in healthcare and criminal justice fields.
Criminal justice stands out as the top earner at $61,814 annually, making it one of the best community college ROI programs nationally. Nursing graduates earn $57,770 with reasonable debt of $16,248, benefiting from Pennsylvania's strong healthcare job market. Dental support services also perform well at $50,856 with moderate debt of $13,470.
The 23% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs. This makes program selection and academic preparation critical to your financial success.
You'll find the strongest ROI if you target healthcare or criminal justice programs and can complete your degree within three years. Students seeking transfer credits for four-year degrees face more uncertainty, as the low completion rate suggests academic support may be limited.
With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay close to full price. The school offers limited merit scholarships, so your main cost advantage comes from the inherently low tuition rather than need-based discounts. Pennsylvania residents get the best deal, while out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against in-state community college options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montgomery County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,930 per year and graduates earning $46,108 after 10 years, Montgomery County Community College offers reasonable value for the cost. However, the 23% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Montgomery County Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $57,770, followed by dental support services at $50,856. Criminal justice programs show mixed results, with some graduates earning $61,814 while others make $38,289.
How much debt do Montgomery County Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $12,349, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Most graduates can reasonably pay this off with typical community college program earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Montgomery County Community College?
Only 23% of students graduate from Montgomery County Community College. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.