At $7,178/yr net price, Onondaga Community College graduates earn $41,190/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,190/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,178 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,190/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,190/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,993/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,676/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,914/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $97,959 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $61,064 | $9,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,823 | $15,575 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,729 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,382 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $31,305 |
The Risk Factor
24.8% of students at Onondaga 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
Onondaga Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nuclear engineering technology program produces graduates earning nearly $98,000 annually, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among two-year colleges nationwide.
Your best financial bets are the technical programs. Electrical engineering technology graduates earn $61,000 with manageable debt loads around $9,500. Nursing students face higher debt at $15,575 but still achieve solid returns with $58,823 median earnings. Fire protection graduates earn $42,700, well above the school's overall median of $41,190.
The biggest financial risk at Onondaga is the low 25% graduation rate. You face a three-in-four chance of leaving without completing your program, which means debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. This risk varies significantly by program, so research completion rates in your specific field before enrolling.
You should consider Onondaga if you're pursuing technical fields with clear career paths in central New York's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The school works best for students who can commit fully to completion and have researched job prospects in their chosen field.
Avoid Onondaga if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the high-earning technical tracks. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings in non-technical fields creates poor financial outcomes. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket. Focus on the programs with proven earning power, or look elsewhere for your associate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onondaga Community College worth the money?
At $7,178 per year, Onondaga Community College offers reasonable value for certain career-focused programs, but the overall picture is mixed. The low graduation rate of 25% means many students don't complete their programs, and median earnings of $41,190 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Onondaga Community College?
Nuclear engineering technology leads with nearly $98,000 in median earnings, followed by electrical engineering technology at $61,064 and nursing at $58,823. These technical programs offer strong ROI that justifies the investment.
How much debt do Onondaga Community College graduates have?
The median debt load is $10,000, which is manageable for a community college. However, this only applies to the 25% of students who actually graduate.
Does Onondaga Community College have a good graduation rate?
No, only 24.8% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means most students either transfer or drop out without completing their programs.