At $4,881/yr net price, Pearl River Community College graduates earn $33,019/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,881 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,019/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-981/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,236/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,122/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,882/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,403/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,040/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 | $51,951 | $11,250 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,270 | $10,745 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,618 | $11,323 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $7,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,281 | $7,580 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,771 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,045 | $7,964 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $19,455 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
35.3% of students at Pearl River 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
Pearl River Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but the overall picture remains mixed due to low completion rates and limited earning potential in many fields.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning $51,951 annually against manageable debt loads. Industrial production technologies also pays well at $50,270, making these technical programs solid investments. Allied health fields round out the winners with earnings in the mid-40s.
Your biggest financial risk at Pearl River is the 35% graduation rate. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The median earnings of $33,019 across all programs means many graduates struggle to achieve strong returns on their investment.
Pearl River works best for you if you can commit to completing one of the high-earning technical programs and have strong study habits to beat the completion odds. The low net price of $4,881 makes it affordable to test your commitment without massive financial risk.
Skip Pearl River if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the healthcare and technical fields. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings in most other areas creates poor financial outcomes for unfocused students. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, but merit scholarships appear limited, so your main cost advantage comes from the low base price rather than additional awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pearl River Community College worth the cost?
Pearl River Community College offers a low net price of $4,881 per year with manageable debt averaging $9,750. However, graduates earn only $33,019 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Pearl River Community College?
Nursing programs at Pearl River Community College lead to the highest earnings at around $52,000 annually. Industrial production technology and allied health programs also offer solid returns with salaries between $41,000-$50,000.
How much debt will I have after Pearl River Community College?
Students at Pearl River Community College graduate with median debt of $9,750, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition keeps borrowing manageable compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Pearl River Community College?
Pearl River Community College has a 35% graduation rate, meaning about two-thirds of students do not complete their programs. This completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the investment.