At $8,463/yr net price, Riverland Community College graduates earn $45,247/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,247/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,463 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,852 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,247/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,247/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,012/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,426/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,389/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,579/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,428/yr |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Riverland Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Riverland Community College delivers solid financial returns with a median debt load of just $12,000 and graduates earning $45,247 ten years out. Your net annual cost of $8,463 means you can complete an associate degree for around $17,000 total, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training in southern Minnesota.
The school's healthcare and technical programs align well with regional employers like Mayo Clinic and local manufacturing companies. Nursing, medical assistant, and welding programs typically offer the strongest earning potential, while general studies transfers may not justify the time investment if you plan to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
Your biggest financial risk is the 53% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting time and money. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, consider whether you can succeed in Riverland's environment before enrolling.
This school makes financial sense if you want job-ready skills quickly without massive debt. Career-focused students in healthcare, skilled trades, or business can see strong returns. However, if you're unsure about your major or primarily want the college experience, you might find better value at a four-year institution from the start.
With only 26% of students receiving financial aid, Riverland appears to keep base costs low rather than offer substantial scholarships. Minnesota residents benefit from relatively affordable in-state tuition, but out-of-state students should compare total costs carefully against programs in their home states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverland Community College worth the cost?
At $8,463 per year with graduates earning $45,247 after 10 years, Riverland offers reasonable value for a community college. The low debt burden of $12,000 makes it financially manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Riverland Community College?
Riverland Community College has a 53% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. This means about half of students complete their programs within the expected timeframe.
How much debt do Riverland Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave Riverland with a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. This manageable debt load reduces financial risk for students.
What programs at Riverland Community College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest job placement rates at community colleges like Riverland. Trade programs in areas like automotive technology and welding also tend to lead to steady employment.