At $12,370/yr net price, Normandale Community College graduates earn $50,207/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,207/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,370 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,207/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,207/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,713/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,221/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,653/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,938/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,393/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 | $61,020 | $15,372 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Marketing. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,420 | |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Associate | $34,526 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,057 | $12,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Engineering, General. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
18.9% of students at Normandale 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
Normandale Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks but comes with significant completion risks that could derail your investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,020 annually against just $15,372 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among Minnesota community colleges.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Dental support services and marketing graduates see respectable earnings in the $40,000-$48,000 range, while accounting majors face a tougher financial reality with starting salaries around $35,420. Criminal justice graduates earn nearly $40,000, though this field typically requires additional training for career advancement.
The major red flag is Normandale's 19% graduation rate. Four out of five students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This risk is particularly acute if you're borrowing money or struggling academically. The median debt of $12,000 remains manageable for those who finish, but incomplete programs turn this into dead weight.
Normandale makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or dental support services with strong academic preparation and clear career goals. The school also works well for students paying cash or using employer tuition assistance, eliminating debt risk entirely. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out-of-pocket or transfer credits elsewhere.
Avoid Normandale if you're uncertain about your major, have weak study habits, or need extensive academic support. The low completion rates indicate the school may not provide sufficient scaffolding for struggling students. Consider four-year options if you can afford them and want broader career flexibility beyond the handful of programs that pay off here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Normandale Community College worth the cost?
Normandale offers decent value with a net price of $12,370 per year and graduates earning $50,207 after 10 years. However, the 18.9% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts overall ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Normandale Community College?
Nursing programs at Normandale provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $61,020 annually. Dental support services ($48,849) and marketing ($42,682) also offer solid earning potential compared to the investment.
How much debt do Normandale Community College graduates have?
Normandale graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the school's low graduation rate.
Should I choose Normandale Community College over a four-year university?
Normandale makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or dental programs, or using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer. Avoid it for programs like criminal justice or accounting where earnings don't justify even the modest costs.