At $5,736/yr net price, Nassau Community College graduates earn $48,248/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,248/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,736 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,248/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,248/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,383/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,697/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,410/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,309/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,449/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 | $69,338 | $15,313 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $66,653 | $13,807 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $43,426 | $9,163 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $42,682 | $10,666 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $37,208 | $9,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $34,908 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $34,420 | $9,842 |
The Risk Factor
23.4% of students at Nassau 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
Nassau Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete healthcare programs but poses significant risks due to its strongly low graduation rate. At just 23%, the completion rate means three out of four students leave without a credential, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $69,338 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $66,653, making these Nassau's strongest ROI bets. Electrical maintenance technology rounds out the top earners at $61,516. These programs justify their slightly higher debt loads through strong regional healthcare and technical job markets.
You face real financial risk if you struggle academically or lack clear career direction. The low graduation rate suggests many students either transfer or drop out, potentially wasting time and money. Nassau works best if you have a specific healthcare or technical career goal and the academic preparation to complete a two-year program.
The school's $5,736 net price and relatively low debt loads make it accessible, but only if you actually graduate. Community college students typically receive less financial aid than four-year students, so plan to cover most costs through work or family support. Nassau makes financial sense for career-focused students in high-demand fields but represents poor value for those unsure about their direction or unprepared for college-level work.
Consider Nassau if you want healthcare training at a reasonable cost and can handle the academic demands. Look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or prefer a higher-touch educational environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nassau Community College worth the money?
Nassau Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,736 annually and manageable debt levels around $10,500. However, the 23% graduation rate is concerning and typical earnings of $48,248 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Nassau Community College?
Nursing programs at Nassau Community College lead earnings at around $69,000, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $66,653. Electronics repair technology also pays well at $61,516, making these the best ROI options at the school.
How much debt do Nassau Community College graduates typically have?
Nassau Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Nassau Community College?
Nassau Community College has a 23% graduation rate, which means most students either transfer or don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's overall value.