At $7,321/yr net price, North Shore Community College graduates earn $45,391/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,391/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,321 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,391/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,391/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,087/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,251/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,184/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,585/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $79,450 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,937 | $11,301 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,124 | $16,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,607 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $49,625 | $7,250 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,087 | $11,050 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,726 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $36,668 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
17.7% of students at North Shore 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 Shore Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who pick the right programs and actually finish. The fire protection program stands out with graduates earning $79,450 annually, while nursing programs consistently place graduates in the $50,000-$60,000 range with manageable debt loads.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial outcome here. Fire protection and nursing tracks lead to solid middle-class incomes that justify the investment. Other programs drag down the overall graduate earnings to a mediocre $45,391. The nursing program's $11,301 debt load is reasonable given the $59,937 earning potential.
The biggest financial risk is the abysmal 17.7% graduation rate. Most students never finish, wasting time and money without earning credentials. If you struggle with completion, this school becomes an expensive dead end. The low net price of $7,321 helps limit losses, but dropping out still costs you opportunity and momentum.
This school works financially if you target high-demand healthcare or public safety careers and have the discipline to complete your program. Students seeking general education or exploring options should look elsewhere. The weak graduation rate suggests inadequate support systems for undecided students.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, indicating either limited need-based support or a student body that doesn't qualify for extensive aid. Merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy is choosing a high-earning program and finishing quickly to minimize opportunity costs while maximizing the return on your $7,321 annual investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Shore Community College worth the money?
At $7,321 per year, North Shore Community College offers decent value if you complete your program, but the 17.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish. Fire protection and nursing programs show strong earning potential, while the general graduate median of $45,391 provides modest returns.
What are the best paying programs at North Shore Community College?
Fire protection leads at $79,450 annually, followed by registered nursing at nearly $60,000. These career-focused programs justify the cost, while general programs may not provide the same return on investment.
How much debt do North Shore Community College graduates have?
The median debt of $9,000 is relatively low for college graduates. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does North Shore Community College have good job placement rates?
While specific placement data isn't available, the extremely low 17.7% graduation rate suggests most students struggle to complete programs. The healthcare and fire protection programs appear to lead to stable employment for those who finish.