At $15,026/yr net price, Nashua Community College graduates earn $46,164/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,164/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,164/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,164/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,770/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,175/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,752/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,752/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,752/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 | $47,952 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $38,289 | $10,549 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | $12,300 |
The Risk Factor
30.2% of students at Nashua 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
Nashua Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, but your program choice makes or breaks the investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $47,952 annually, well above the school's median and strong for a two-year degree in New Hampshire's healthcare market.
Vehicle maintenance and repair offers another clear path to financial success, with graduates earning $38,289 while carrying just $10,549 in debt. This program aligns well with New Hampshire's automotive service needs and provides immediate entry into stable employment.
Business administration graduates face a tougher financial reality at $33,993 in annual earnings, while liberal arts majors earn just $25,774 despite carrying $12,300 in debt. These numbers suggest you should avoid liberal arts here unless you plan to transfer to complete a four-year degree.
The school's 30% graduation rate presents a significant risk to your investment. If you struggle with completion, you could end up with debt but no credential. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (25%) indicates limited institutional support, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Nashua Community College works best for career-focused students pursuing nursing or automotive technology who can commit to program completion. The proximity to Boston's job market provides additional employment opportunities for graduates willing to commute.
Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts, uncertain about your career direction, or have a history of academic struggles. The combination of low graduation rates and weak returns in general programs creates unnecessary financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nashua Community College worth the money?
Nashua Community College offers decent value if you complete a nursing program, with graduates earning nearly $48,000 annually. However, the 30% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at Nashua Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs provide the strongest return at Nashua Community College, with graduates earning $47,952 annually. Vehicle maintenance programs also pay well at $38,289, while liberal arts graduates earn just $25,774.
How much debt do Nashua Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave Nashua Community College with a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings for most programs.
Why is Nashua Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 30% of students graduate from Nashua Community College, reflecting common challenges at community colleges including part-time attendance and competing work obligations. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.