At $6,443/yr net price, Mt Hood Community College graduates earn $41,125/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,125/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,443 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,125/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,125/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,667 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,561/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,220/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,483/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $13,036 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,128 | $16,625 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,267 | $7,773 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Mt Hood 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
Mt Hood Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. With a net price of $6,443 annually and relatively low median debt of $13,667, the financial risk stays manageable for most students.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial outcome here. Dental support services graduates earn $63,005 annually, providing strong returns that justify the investment. Practical nursing and allied health programs also deliver solid earnings in the $43,000-$48,000 range, aligning well with Oregon's healthcare job market demand. However, the 26% graduation rate means many students leave without credentials, making program completion critical for any positive return.
Fisheries science stands out as a financial risk despite the school's proximity to Columbia River opportunities, with graduates earning just $30,409 annually. You should avoid this program if financial returns matter to your decision.
This school works best for students seeking healthcare training who can commit to program completion. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based support, but the affordable sticker price makes this less problematic than at expensive private schools.
You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional four-year degree experience or programs outside healthcare and trades. The low graduation rate indicates completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no credential. Students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support may find better success at schools with higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mt Hood Community College worth the money?
Mt Hood Community College offers solid value for healthcare programs, with dental support and nursing graduates earning $48,000-$63,000 annually. The low net price of $6,443 per year and modest debt load of $13,667 make it financially accessible, though the 26% graduation rate indicates completion challenges.
What are the best paying programs at Mt Hood Community College?
Dental support services leads with $63,005 in median earnings, followed by practical nursing at $48,432. Most healthcare-related programs at Mt Hood pay well above the overall school average of $41,125, making them the clear ROI winners.
How much debt do Mt Hood Community College graduates have?
Mt Hood graduates carry a median debt of $13,667, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. Healthcare program graduates can typically handle this debt load given their higher earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Mt Hood Community College?
Only 26% of Mt Hood students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means many students spend money without completing their programs, making careful program selection and academic planning critical.