At $7,442/yr net price, Orange County Community College graduates earn $44,117/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,117/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,442 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,117/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,117/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,222/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,602/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,789/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,167/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,783/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 | $66,401 | $14,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $58,970 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,779 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,560 | $9,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,353 | $13,303 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | $12,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,572 | $10,320 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $17,846 |
The Risk Factor
23.3% of students at Orange County 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
Orange County Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $66,401 annually against just $14,000 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI ratios among New York community colleges.
Your financial success at OCCC depends heavily on program choice. Dental support services graduates earn nearly $59,000 yearly, while health administration completers make only $30,771. The $22,000 gap between these health programs shows how specific your career path needs to be. Students pursuing general studies or liberal arts face much bleaker prospects given the school's overall median earnings of $44,117.
The 23% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You pay the same $7,442 annual net price whether you finish or not, and dropping out leaves you with debt but no credential. This low completion rate particularly hurts students who need more academic support or lack clear career direction.
OCCC works best for students with specific healthcare career goals who can handle the coursework demands. The nursing and dental programs justify the investment, especially since median debt stays manageable at $12,000. Students seeking general education or exploring different majors should consider schools with stronger support systems and higher graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches only 27% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance beyond federal programs. Your best cost strategy involves completing quickly in a high-earning program rather than extending your time or switching majors. The regional job market in Orange County supports healthcare graduates but offers fewer opportunities for other fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orange County Community College worth the cost?
Orange County Community College offers decent value with low tuition costs at $7,442 yearly, but the 23% graduation rate raises concerns about completion. Nursing programs show strong ROI with $66,401 average earnings, while other programs earn closer to $37,000-$59,000 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Orange County Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with $66,401 average earnings, followed by Dental Support Services at $58,970. Most other health programs earn $30,000-$37,000, which is solid for associate degree programs but may not justify the time investment for all students.
How much debt do Orange County Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 23% of students graduating, many accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Orange County Community College?
Only 23% of students graduate from Orange County Community College, well below the national community college average. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition costs without earning credentials that boost their income.