At $5,959/yr net price, Northeast State Community College graduates earn $34,553/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $553/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,959 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,553/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$553/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 43.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,827 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,462/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,837/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,478/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,336/yr |
| $110,001+ | $2,112/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education. | Certificate | $64,706 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,145 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,018 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Associate | $33,077 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,808 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Northeast State 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
Northeast State Community College keeps costs low and debt lower, which is the strongest part of its financial case. You leave with a median debt around $6,800, roughly one year of net price, so you are unlikely to drown in loans even if things go sideways. The catch is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit near $34,500, below the U.S. median wage, so the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick.
Nursing is where the money is. The associate degree in registered nursing pays about $51,000, and allied health associate programs land in the mid-$40,000s. These are tied directly to hospital and clinic jobs across the Tri-Cities region, which has steady healthcare demand. The electrical engineering technology associate degree pays around $38,000, decent for a two-year credential in this area. Certificate programs are a mixed bag: the developmental education certificate shows a high number, but that reflects people already working in education, not a starting wage you should expect out of school.
The real risk here is the 32% graduation rate. Two out of three students do not finish, and a credential you never earn produces no return while still costing you time and some money. Low debt cushions that blow, but it does not erase it.
This school fits you if you enroll in nursing or allied health, live in the region, and want to work here without borrowing much. Look elsewhere if you want a general associate degree with no clear career path, since the median earnings tell you those students do not gain much.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least in real terms, while the $48,000-$110,000 range pays more. The under-$30k tier still owes over $5,000 a year, so budget for it even at the low end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast State Community College worth the money?
Northeast State offers decent value with low tuition costs at $5,959 per year and manageable debt averaging $6,827. However, graduates earn only $34,553 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northeast State Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $51,145, followed by allied health fields at $46,673. Electrical engineering technology graduates earn $38,018, while most other programs result in lower salaries.
How much debt will I have after Northeast State Community College?
Students typically graduate with $6,827 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal.
What is the graduation rate at Northeast State Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is concerning for return on investment. The low completion rate means many students leave without credentials while still carrying some debt.