At $7,222/yr net price, Niagara County Community College graduates earn $42,285/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,285/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,222 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,285/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,285/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,039 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,163/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,658/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,355/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,221/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,855/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 | $60,006 | $14,615 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,681 | $15,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $33,993 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,988 | $12,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,816 | $11,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,440 | $11,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $25,194 | $10,139 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,112 | $11,970 |
The Risk Factor
30.7% of students at Niagara County 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
Niagara County Community College delivers solid returns for nursing students but disappointing outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $60,006 annually with manageable debt of $14,615, creating strong financial value in western New York's healthcare market.
Your major choice determines everything at this school. Allied health programs generate decent returns at $38,681, while business and hospitality programs leave graduates earning barely above the regional median despite taking on debt. The 30.7% graduation rate means seven in ten students leave without completing their programs, losing both time and money.
The $7,222 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, but you face significant completion risk. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career direction, this school's low graduation rate suggests you might waste your investment. The median debt of $11,039 stays manageable for successful graduates but becomes problematic if you don't finish.
This school works best if you can gain admission to nursing or allied health programs and have strong study habits to ensure completion. The limited financial aid percentage of 33.48% means most students pay close to full price, making completion even more critical to justify costs.
Skip Niagara County Community College if you want business or hospitality training. Those programs produce graduates earning $30,988 and $29,685 respectively, barely justifying the debt and opportunity cost. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services, as the low graduation rate indicates students who struggle academically often fail to complete their programs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niagara County Community College worth the cost?
At $7,222 per year, Niagara County Community College offers decent value if you complete your degree and choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $60,006 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but the 31% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Niagara County Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with $60,006 in annual earnings, followed by Allied Health programs at $38,681. Accounting graduates earn $33,993, while hospitality management majors make $29,685.
How much debt do Niagara County Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $11,039, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average earnings of $42,285 ten years after enrollment, debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by program choice.
Why is Niagara County Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 31% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means the ROI calculations only apply to the minority of students who actually finish their programs.