At $5,457/yr net price, North Central Michigan College graduates earn $36,594/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,594/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,457 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,594/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,594/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,600/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,965/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,105/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,663/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,978/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 | $57,589 | $11,160 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,565 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $31,851 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,600 | $10,812 |
| Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,578 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $19,455 |
The Risk Factor
24.2% of students at North Central Michigan 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
North Central Michigan College offers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program delivers $57,589 in median earnings with only $11,160 in debt, creating an excellent risk-to-reward ratio that justifies the investment.
Your financial picture deteriorates quickly outside healthcare fields. Liberal arts graduates earn just $23,600 annually while carrying $10,812 in debt. Physical sciences majors face even worse prospects at $22,578 yearly. These earnings barely exceed what you could make without a degree in northern Michigan's limited job market.
The 24% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face strong odds of accumulating debt without completing your program. This matters more at North Central than higher-priced schools because the low completion rate undermines the already modest earning potential of most programs.
You should consider North Central if you plan to enter nursing and can handle the program's academic demands. The healthcare job market in northern Michigan supports nursing graduates reasonably well. Skip this school for liberal arts, physical sciences, or general studies unless you plan to transfer to a four-year institution.
The $5,457 net price keeps debt manageable, but only 33% of students receive financial aid. Merit scholarships are limited at this community college level. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and avoiding unnecessary credits that extend your time to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central Michigan College worth the money?
North Central Michigan College offers a low net price at $5,457 per year, but graduates earn only $36,594 annually after 10 years. The school's 24% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at North Central Michigan College?
Nursing programs at North Central Michigan College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $57,589 annually. Business programs pay moderately at $33,565, while liberal arts and physical sciences lead to lower earnings around $22,000-$24,000.
How much debt do North Central Michigan College graduates have?
North Central Michigan College graduates carry a median debt of $14,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does North Central Michigan College have good job outcomes?
North Central Michigan College graduates earn $36,594 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. Only nursing students see strong financial returns, while other programs often lead to modest earning potential.