At $11,690/yr net price, North Country Community College graduates earn $38,276/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,276/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,690 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,760 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,276/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,276/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.4% |
| 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 | $8,541/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,201/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,391/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,221/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,077/yr |
The Risk Factor
25.4% of students at North Country 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
North Country Community College delivers weak financial returns with a median graduate earning just $38,276 ten years after enrollment. The 25% graduation rate means most students who start here never finish their degree, creating substantial financial risk.
Your biggest concern should be the completion rate. With three out of four students failing to graduate, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The $12,000 median debt load appears manageable, but only applies to those who actually complete their programs.
The school's location in the Adirondacks limits job opportunities for graduates. Local industries like hospitality and healthcare support exist, but higher-paying positions remain scarce in this rural region. You may need to relocate after graduation to maximize your earning potential, adding relocation costs to your education investment.
North Country works best as a stepping stone if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution and can maintain the academic focus needed to complete your degree. The low net price of $11,690 makes it an affordable option for exploring college-level coursework or earning prerequisites for healthcare programs.
Skip this school if you need strong career services, extensive program options, or immediate job placement after graduation. The combination of low completion rates and limited regional opportunities makes it a risky choice for students seeking direct entry into the workforce. Consider other SUNY community colleges in areas with stronger job markets if you want better financial outcomes from your two-year degree investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Country Community College worth the cost?
North Country Community College has a very low return on investment with graduates earning just $38,276 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for community colleges. The 25% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the job market like for North Country Community College graduates?
North Country Community College graduates face limited earning potential in the rural Adirondack region where many jobs are seasonal or low-wage. The median salary of $38,276 reflects the area's tourism and service-based economy.
How much debt do North Country Community College students typically have?
North Country Community College students graduate with relatively low debt at $12,000 median, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, the low earnings potential means even this modest debt can be challenging to repay.
Which programs at North Country Community College have the best job prospects?
North Country Community College's nursing and forestry programs typically offer better job prospects than general studies. These career-focused programs align with regional healthcare and natural resource industries that provide more stable employment.