At $9,804/yr net price, North Hennepin Community College graduates earn $51,142/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,142/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,804 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,142/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,142/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,854/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,382/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,255/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,969/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,150/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 | $59,610 | $16,447 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Certificate | $53,984 | |
| Computer Science. | Associate | $50,270 | $10,029 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,265 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $42,682 | $22,625 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $42,402 | $17,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $42,363 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $37,748 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $37,568 | $12,849 |
The Risk Factor
15.7% of students at North Hennepin 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 Hennepin Community College delivers solid financial returns through specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $59,610 in median earnings with manageable debt of $16,447.
Computer science and construction management also provide strong ROI at this school, with computer science graduates earning $50,270 while carrying just $10,029 in debt. These technical programs align well with Minnesota's job market and justify the $9,804 annual cost.
Criminal justice presents a concerning financial picture at North Hennepin. Graduates earn $42,682 but carry $22,625 in debt, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult. You should avoid this program if financial return matters to you.
The 15.7% graduation rate represents a significant risk. Most students who start at North Hennepin do not finish, meaning you could accumulate debt without completing your credential. This makes the school most suitable for highly motivated students with clear career goals in nursing, computer science, or skilled trades.
Only 29% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. You will likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for federal need-based aid. The relatively low cost makes this manageable if you complete a high-earning program.
North Hennepin works best as a stepping stone to immediate employment in healthcare or technical fields. If you need extensive academic support or want a traditional college experience, look elsewhere. The financial payoff exists, but only for students who graduate in the right programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Hennepin Community College worth the cost?
North Hennepin Community College offers reasonable value for specific career programs, particularly nursing and construction, which lead to starting salaries above $50,000. However, the extremely low 15.70% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, making it risky for students who aren't highly motivated or career-focused.
What are the best paying programs at North Hennepin Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $59,610 average earnings, followed by construction management at $53,984 and computer science at $50,270. These technical programs provide clear career paths that justify the college's costs, unlike general education tracks that show weaker returns.
How much debt do North Hennepin Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $14,750, which is manageable for graduates in high-paying programs like nursing or construction. However, with only 16% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree to show for it.
Does North Hennepin Community College have good job outcomes?
Graduates earn an average of $51,142 ten years after starting, which is decent for a community college. The problem is getting to graduation - fewer than 1 in 6 students actually finish their program, suggesting serious retention issues that prospective students should consider carefully.