At $8,812/yr net price, Northeast Community College graduates earn $42,634/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,634/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,634/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,634/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,979/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,219/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,368/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,060/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,700/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,415 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,524 | $13,000 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $52,107 | $12,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,489 | $11,739 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,597 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,337 | $10,950 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $37,208 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
55.8% of students at Northeast Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northeast Community College delivers solid returns for technical careers but leaves liberal arts graduates struggling financially. At $8,812 annually, the school costs less than most four-year options, though the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their programs.
Your program choice determines everything here. Electromechanical instrumentation leads earnings at $56,415, while nursing and electrical installation both top $52,000. These technical programs connect directly to Nebraska's energy and healthcare sectors, where employers actively recruit Northeast graduates. Drafting programs earn a respectable $42,682, still well above the college median.
The financial risk lies in choosing programs outside these technical fields. General studies and liberal arts tracks typically earn far below the $42,634 median, making even the modest $11,000 debt load difficult to manage. Rural Nebraska offers limited opportunities for these majors.
This school works financially if you want hands-on technical training for immediate employment. The low debt levels and strong industry connections in energy, healthcare, and manufacturing make it ideal for career changers or high school graduates seeking stable middle-class work. Skip Northeast if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as only 16% receive financial aid and transfer support remains limited.
The school offers few merit scholarships, focusing aid on need-based grants. Your best cost strategy involves completing programs quickly and avoiding extra semesters that increase total costs without improving job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Community College worth the cost?
Northeast Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,812 per year and median debt of only $11,000. However, the 10-year median earnings of $42,634 are modest, making this worthwhile mainly if you choose high-paying programs like nursing or electrical technology.
What are the best paying programs at Northeast Community College?
Electromechanical instrumentation leads at $56,415, followed by nursing at $52,524 and electrical power transmission at $52,107. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings of $42,634.
How much debt do Northeast Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is relatively low for college graduates. With the school's affordable $8,812 annual net price, most students can avoid heavy borrowing.
What is Northeast Community College's graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 55.8%, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is typical for community colleges but represents a significant risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a credential.