At $11,063/yr net price, Pueblo Community College graduates earn $37,434/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,434/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,063 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,434/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,434/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,778/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,144/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,793/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,803/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,251/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 | $60,974 | $14,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,178 | $13,125 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,747 | $10,125 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,585 | $6,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,187 | $11,137 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at Pueblo 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
Pueblo Community College delivers solid returns for vocational programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with $60,974 median earnings against just $14,250 in debt, creating strong payback potential in Colorado's healthcare market.
Your best financial bets are the health programs. Dental support services graduates earn $53,358 annually, while allied health diagnostics pays $43,178. Even precision metalworking offers decent returns at $39,585 with minimal $6,750 debt loads. These programs align well with Pueblo's industrial base and regional medical facilities.
The major risk is the 37.5% graduation rate. More than half of students leave without completing programs, making debt without credentials a real concern. The $37,434 overall median earnings reflect many graduates in lower-paying fields or incomplete programs.
PCC works financially if you target specific career programs with clear job placement. The low $11,063 net price keeps debt manageable, and the $10,000 median debt load won't crush your budget. However, only 28% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities.
This school makes sense if you want affordable healthcare or technical training in southern Colorado. Skip PCC if you need extensive financial aid, want a traditional college experience, or plan to transfer credits to a four-year university. The vocational focus serves working adults and career changers better than recent high school graduates seeking broader education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pueblo Community College worth the money?
Pueblo Community College offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $61,000 annually. However, the overall graduate earnings of $37,434 are below the national average, and only 38% of students actually graduate.
What are the best paying programs at Pueblo Community College?
Nursing programs at Pueblo Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $60,974 per year. Dental support services ($53,358) and other allied health programs also offer solid earning potential compared to the school's low tuition costs.
How much debt will I have after Pueblo Community College?
Students who borrow at Pueblo Community College graduate with a median debt of $10,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load makes the financial risk relatively small, even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Pueblo Community College have good job placement rates?
Pueblo Community College's 37.5% graduation rate indicates many students don't complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, healthcare program graduates tend to find work easily due to high demand in those fields.