At $22,070/yr net price, Nebraska Indian Community College graduates earn $31,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,070 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,542/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,691/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,715/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,140/yr |
The Risk Factor
16.7% of students at Nebraska Indian 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
Nebraska Indian Community College presents a challenging financial picture with extremely weak ROI metrics. The median earnings of $31,458 ten years after enrollment barely exceed the annual net cost of $22,070, creating a payback timeline that extends well beyond what most families can sustain.
The 16.7% graduation rate represents the most significant financial risk at this institution. With fewer than one in five students completing their programs, you face an 83% chance of leaving with debt but no degree. This completion rate makes any investment here financially precarious regardless of your academic preparation or career goals.
The college's focus on serving Native American communities through culturally relevant programming addresses important educational access needs, but the financial returns do not justify the costs for most students. Even accounting for lower living costs in rural Nebraska, the earnings premium over a high school diploma remains minimal.
You should consider this school only if you have compelling non-financial reasons for attendance, such as geographic constraints or specific cultural programming unavailable elsewhere. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond federal programs.
If you're committed to this path, minimize borrowing by maximizing Pell Grant eligibility and seeking tribal education funding. Consider completing general education requirements at a community college first to reduce total costs. However, your money will likely generate better returns at regional four-year institutions with higher completion rates and stronger job placement records, even if they lack the cultural programming this college provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska Indian Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $22,070 per year and graduates earning $31,458 annually after 10 years, Nebraska Indian Community College offers modest financial returns. The extremely low graduation rate of 16.7% presents significant completion risk that prospective students should weigh carefully.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Nebraska Indian Community College?
Graduates from Nebraska Indian Community College earn around $31,458 per year a decade after enrollment. This income level reflects the school's focus on community-based programs and local employment opportunities rather than high-paying careers.
How much debt do students typically have from Nebraska Indian Community College?
With a net price of $22,070 annually, students may accumulate substantial debt relative to post-graduation earnings of $31,458. The 16.7% graduation rate means most students risk taking on debt without completing their degree.
Does Nebraska Indian Community College have good graduation rates?
Nebraska Indian Community College has a 16.7% graduation rate, which is considerably below national averages. This low completion rate indicates that most students who enroll do not finish their programs.