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 gives you a mixed financial picture that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns $37,275 ten years out, which is close to the debt load itself feeling manageable at around $16,667. The problem is the 31.60% graduation rate. Nearly seven in ten students who start don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, none of the earnings numbers apply to you.
The nursing and technical programs are where the money is. Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing both clear $55,000, and the two engineering technology tracks land in the low $50,000s. Mechanical Engineering Technology stands out because it pairs strong pay with the lowest debt on the list at $12,000, so you keep more of what you earn. These programs fit the northwest Ohio job market, where hospitals and manufacturing plants hire from schools like this one.
Allied Health is the weakest of the top programs. You take on roughly the same debt as Registered Nursing but earn about $11,000 less per year, which changes how fast that debt pays off. If a health field is your goal, the nursing tracks return more for a similar cost.
The net price tiers work against middle-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,400. Cross into the $75,000-plus range and your price jumps past $12,800. You pay more without the earnings guarantee, since that depends on your program and whether you finish.
This school works for you if you enroll in nursing or engineering technology and commit to finishing. If you're undecided or drawn to a general associate degree, the low completion rate and $37,275 median earnings make the return uncertain. Pick a high-earning program with a clear job path, or the numbers don't hold up.
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.