At $8,651/yr net price, Mount Wachusett Community College graduates earn $41,118/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,118/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,651 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,118/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,118/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,252 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,834/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,156/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,275/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,509/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,921/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 | $61,814 | $13,825 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $56,157 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $55,547 | $12,134 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,054 | $10,720 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $32,925 | $7,322 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,409 | $11,961 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $25,967 | $4,691 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $23,803 | $4,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,700 | $9,825 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Mount Wachusett 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
Mount Wachusett Community College delivers strong returns for students who target its healthcare programs, but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing track stands out with graduates earning $61,814 annually, making it one of the better community college nursing programs in Massachusetts despite modest debt levels around $13,825.
Your program choice determines your financial outcome here. Healthcare dominates the winners list, with dental support services ($56,157) and practical nursing ($55,547) also delivering solid returns. Computer science graduates earn just $32,925 with $7,322 in debt, making the program financially questionable given local tech wages. Most other programs fall below the school's overall median of $41,118.
The 29% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. You face better odds in nursing and healthcare programs where completion rates typically run higher than the school average.
Mount Wachusett works financially if you can commit to nursing or allied health and have the academic preparation to finish. The low net price of $8,651 keeps debt manageable for completers. Students considering general studies, liberal arts, or most non-healthcare programs should look elsewhere, as the combination of low completion rates and weak earning outcomes creates poor financial prospects.
The school serves 38% of students with financial aid, though merit scholarships remain limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at this low-cost institution, then transferring to a four-year school for better career outcomes in non-healthcare fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Wachusett Community College worth the money?
Mount Wachusett Community College offers decent value for specific programs, particularly nursing and dental support, which lead to starting salaries around $55,000-$62,000. However, the overall graduate earnings of $41,118 after 10 years barely justify even the low $8,651 annual cost for many programs.
What are the best paying programs at Mount Wachusett Community College?
Nursing programs at Mount Wachusett Community College provide the strongest ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning around $61,814 and dental support services graduates making $56,157. Computer science graduates earn significantly less at $32,925, making those programs harder to justify financially.
How much debt do Mount Wachusett Community College students graduate with?
Mount Wachusett Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $10,252, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps offset the school's poor 29% graduation rate for students who do complete their programs.
Does Mount Wachusett Community College have good job placement rates?
Mount Wachusett Community College's 29% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, though specific job placement data isn't available. The school works best for students committed to healthcare programs where local demand is strong.