At $7,340/yr net price, Ozarks Technical Community College graduates earn $36,455/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,455/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,340 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,455/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,455/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,453 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,952/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,690/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,191/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,080/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,412/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 | $49,627 | $15,249 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,747 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,087 | $12,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,721 | $8,216 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,433 | $14,512 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,208 | $10,360 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $36,848 | $14,907 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,925 | $8,750 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,382 |
The Risk Factor
31.9% of students at Ozarks Technical 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
Ozarks Technical Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who pick the right programs and actually graduate. With a net price of just $7,340 annually and median debt under $11,000, your financial risk stays manageable even if things don't go perfectly.
The nursing program stands out as your best bet financially, producing graduates earning nearly $50,000 annually despite requiring slightly higher debt loads. Industrial production technology and allied health programs also deliver strong returns relative to their costs, with most graduates earning $38,000-$45,000 within ten years of starting college.
Your biggest risk at OTC is the 32% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students never finish their programs, meaning they face debt without credentials. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this school's completion challenges could leave you worse off financially than when you started.
OTC works best for motivated students targeting specific career fields with clear job pathways in southwestern Missouri. The school's healthcare and technical programs align well with regional employer needs, giving graduates solid job prospects locally. You'll find the strongest financial returns if you can commit fully to completing your program and have realistic career goals.
With only 37% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program, then transferring to a four-year school if needed rather than extending your time at OTC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozarks Technical Community College worth the money?
Ozarks Technical Community College offers reasonable value with low debt ($10,453 median) and affordable tuition ($7,340 net price), but graduates earn only $36,455 after 10 years. The school works best if you target high-paying programs like nursing or industrial technology rather than general studies.
What are the best paying programs at Ozarks Technical Community College?
Nursing programs at Ozarks Technical Community College lead to the highest earnings at $49,627 annually, followed by industrial production technology at $44,747. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $36,455.
How much debt do Ozarks Technical Community College graduates have?
Ozarks Technical Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,453, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 32% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no credential.
What is the graduation rate at Ozarks Technical Community College?
Only 31.9% of students graduate from Ozarks Technical Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate means most students don't finish their programs, which hurts the return on investment for the majority who enroll.