At $10,202/yr net price, Owens Community College graduates earn $37,275/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,275/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,202 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,275/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,275/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,667 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,496/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,401/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,883/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,841/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,990/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,030 | $18,336 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $53,775 | $12,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,102 | $18,500 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $41,406 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,025 | $18,376 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,848 | $11,462 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Owens 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
Owens Community College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but the overall graduation rate of 32% creates significant financial risk. Your ROI hinges entirely on completing one of the healthcare or technical programs that actually pay off.
Nursing programs lead earnings at Owens, with practical nursing graduates earning $59,124 and registered nurses making $55,030. These salaries easily justify the $16,667 median debt load. Engineering technology programs also perform well, with mechanical engineering techs earning $53,775 on just $12,000 in debt and electrical engineering techs making $52,107.
The financial risk centers on program completion. With two-thirds of students failing to graduate, you face losing time and money without credentials that boost earnings. The $10,202 annual cost seems manageable, but multiplying that across multiple years without finishing destroys your ROI.
Owens works financially if you enter a healthcare or technical program with clear career goals and strong academic preparation. The school serves northwest Ohio's manufacturing base well, particularly around Toledo's automotive and logistics industries. You should avoid Owens if you lack direction about your major or struggle academically, since the low graduation rate suggests many students never see returns on their investment.
The 22% financial aid rate indicates limited need-based assistance, so most students pay closer to full price. Focus on completing your program quickly in high-demand fields like nursing or engineering technology to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs from extended enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owens Community College worth the cost?
Owens Community College offers strong value for nursing and technical programs, with nursing graduates earning $55,000-59,000 annually. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $37,275 and low 32% graduation rate indicate mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at Owens Community College?
Practical nursing leads at $59,124 annually, followed by registered nursing at $55,030 and mechanical engineering technology at $53,775. These technical and healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do Owens Community College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $16,667, which is manageable for nursing and technical graduates earning $50,000+ but creates financial stress for those in lower-paying fields. Most graduates can reasonably pay off this amount in the higher-earning programs.
What is the graduation rate at Owens Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means many students leave without credentials, making program selection and academic support critical for success.