At $4,568/yr net price, Oakland Community College graduates earn $37,395/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,395/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,568 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,395/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,395/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,105 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,628/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,569/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,852/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,188/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,208/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 | $55,813 | $11,318 |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $47,260 | $10,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,468 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $43,798 | $12,972 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $41,025 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,729 | $12,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $35,416 | $14,680 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,359 | $9,224 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,960 |
The Risk Factor
18.5% of students at Oakland 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
Oakland Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who complete their programs, with extremely low costs that minimize risk. Your total debt averages just $9,105, making this one of the most affordable paths to career credentials in Michigan.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $55,813 annually against minimal debt. The science technology programs also perform well at $47,260, while dental support services and criminal justice both deliver solid middle-class incomes above $40,000. These programs tap into Oakland County's healthcare systems and Detroit metro's diverse job market effectively.
The major financial risk here is completion. Only 18% of students graduate, meaning you need strong self-discipline and clear career focus to succeed. However, the low cost structure means even if you don't finish, your financial exposure remains limited.
This school works best if you want specific career training without the expense of a four-year degree. The nursing program offers excellent value for those committed to healthcare careers. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want a traditional college experience, as the low completion rates suggest limited student support infrastructure.
With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price directly. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return, as the earnings data reflects successful graduates who actually finished their credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland Community College worth the money?
Oakland Community College offers solid value with low costs at $4,568 per year and minimal debt averaging $9,105. However, the 18.5% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the highest paying programs at Oakland Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Oakland Community College, with registered nursing graduates earning around $55,813 annually. Science technician and dental support programs also show strong returns at $47,260 and $44,468 respectively.
How much debt do Oakland Community College graduates have?
Oakland Community College graduates carry relatively low debt loads with a median of $9,105. The low annual cost of $4,568 helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
Do Oakland Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings from Oakland Community College average $37,395 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with healthcare fields offering the strongest earning potential.