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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a real payoff attached to health-care programs, but the 23% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most. Finishing is where the money is, and fewer than a quarter of students cross the line.
The associate nursing degree is the clear winner here. It pays close to $58,000 and carries about $16,000 in debt, so you earn back the cost quickly. Dental support and allied health diagnostics both clear $39,000, which comfortably beats the school's median earnings. If you enroll here to work in a clinic or hospital, the math works.
Criminal justice is more mixed. The associate degree pays under $40,000, one of the weakest returns on the list, and it sits well below what the health programs return for similar debt. Pick the field for the work, not the paycheck.
The debt profile keeps risk low. Typical borrowing sits around $12,000, and even the nursing track stays under $17,000. That is manageable on any of these salaries, which is the reason this school forgives an early misstep more easily than a four-year college would.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay under $8,000 a year. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $14,500, so the price advantage shrinks for higher earners who could shop other options.
This school fits you if you want a health-care credential, live in the region, and want to cap your debt. It fits less well if you need a high-paying certificate or plan to drift without a clear program. Enrolling without finishing leaves you with cost and no degree, and here that outcome is common.
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.