At $13,148/yr net price, Rochester Community and Technical College graduates earn $45,287/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,287/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,148 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,287/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,287/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,743 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,835/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,005/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,077/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,328/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,781/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 | $60,689 | $18,145 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,918 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,249 | $14,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $44,649 | $12,000 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $41,565 | $12,875 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $38,289 | $15,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,928 | $21,125 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,704 |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Rochester Community and Technical 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
Rochester Community and Technical College delivers mixed financial returns, with healthcare programs offering strong payoffs but a concerning 26% graduation rate that undermines the school's overall value proposition.
Your best financial bets are nursing and dental programs. Registered nursing graduates earn $60,689 annually with $18,145 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Dental support services provide nearly $50,000 in earnings with just $13,000 in debt. Construction management also pays well at $52,107, though debt data is unavailable for this program.
The graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. With only one in four students completing their programs, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This makes program selection critical. Healthcare tracks appear more structured and completion-focused than other offerings.
Criminal justice represents a weaker financial choice at $44,649 in earnings, barely above the school's median. Allied health programs fall into similar territory with modest returns relative to the time investment.
This school works best if you need affordable healthcare training close to Rochester's Mayo Clinic ecosystem, which creates strong local demand for medical support roles. The nursing program especially benefits from this regional advantage. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or programs outside healthcare, as completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish.
With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full $13,148 net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and consider the dental or nursing tracks if you can handle the academic demands. The school's location near major medical employers gives healthcare graduates immediate job opportunities that justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester Community and Technical College worth the cost?
Rochester Community and Technical College offers solid value if you complete a high-paying program like nursing ($60,689 median earnings) or construction management ($52,107). However, the 26% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making debt without a degree a real risk.
What are the best paying programs at Rochester Community and Technical College?
Nursing programs lead with $60,689 median earnings, followed by construction trades at $52,107 and dental services at $49,918. These programs justify the $13,148 annual cost, but other fields like criminal justice ($44,649) offer weaker returns.
How much debt do Rochester Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $14,743 in debt, which is manageable for high-earning programs like nursing but problematic for lower-paying fields. The bigger concern is the low 26% graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What is the job market like for Rochester Community and Technical College graduates?
Healthcare and skilled trades graduates from Rochester Community and Technical College generally find steady work in the Rochester area, supported by Mayo Clinic and local construction demand. However, graduates in other fields may struggle to reach the $45,287 median earnings given the competitive job market.