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 keeps costs low and debt modest, but the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick and whether you finish. At under $10,000 a year in net price and median debt below $15,000, you're not taking on the kind of loan burden that sinks graduates. The bigger risk here is the 15.70% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry the cost without the credential that pays it back.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in Registered Nursing leads earnings and feeds directly into the Twin Cities metro's steady demand for nurses, and the debt load stays manageable against that salary. Computer Science pays nearly as well while carrying the lowest debt of the top programs, which makes it the strongest cost-to-earnings trade on the list. The construction management certificate is worth a look if you want to skip a full degree and still land above $50,000.
Criminal Justice is the one to think hard about. It pays the least of the top five and saddles you with the highest debt, so you'd finish owing more while earning less than every other program listed. That combination is the weakest bet at this school.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay in the $7,800 to $8,400 range. Over $110,000, you pay closer to $14,000, still cheap for two years but a real gap from the lowest tier.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or a computing path and can commit to finishing. If you're undecided or drawn to the lower-earning tracks, the low sticker price won't save you from a weak return.
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.