At $8,043/yr net price, Mountwest Community and Technical College graduates earn $28,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,043 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,172 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,049/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,446 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,038/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,991/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,686/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,573/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,055 | $8,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $19,455 |
The Risk Factor
16.8% of students at Mountwest Community and Technical 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
Mountwest Community and Technical College delivers weak financial returns despite its low sticker price. Your median earnings of $28,951 ten years after graduation barely justify the investment, especially when paired with a concerning 16.8% graduation rate that means most students leave without completing their programs.
The numbers reveal stark differences between programs. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn $28,055 annually but carry $8,250 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Precision Metal Working offers the second-best earnings at $24,035 with lower debt loads. Legal Support Services lags significantly at $19,455 annually, making it a questionable investment given the time and money required.
Your biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. With only one in six students completing their programs, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario for students who struggle academically or lack strong support systems.
Mountwest works financially for local students who can live at home, focus on allied health programs, and have clear career goals in the Huntington job market. The school makes sense if you need affordable healthcare training and plan to work in West Virginia's medical facilities.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong academic support, want transfer options to four-year schools, or lack certainty about completing your program. The low graduation rate suggests the school struggles to help students finish what they start.
With 41% of students receiving financial aid, explore all grant opportunities before borrowing. The relatively low debt levels mean federal Pell Grants could cover much of your costs if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mountwest Community and Technical College worth the cost?
Mountwest offers low tuition at $8,043 per year, but graduates earn just $28,951 annually after 10 years. With only a 17% graduation rate, most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Mountwest Community and Technical College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services leads with $28,055 average earnings, followed by Precision Metal Working at $24,035. Legal Support Services pays less at $19,455 annually.
How much debt do Mountwest Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates have relatively low debt at $7,446 median. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degrees.
Does Mountwest Community and Technical College have good job outcomes?
Graduate earnings of $28,951 after 10 years are below the national average for college graduates. The extremely low 17% graduation rate suggests most students struggle to complete programs successfully.