At $8,508/yr net price, Rockland Community College graduates earn $50,243/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,243/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,508 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,243/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,243/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,497 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,283/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,860/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,093/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,760/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,665/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 | $67,101 | $11,193 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,572 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $41,937 | $8,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,768 | $8,400 |
The Risk Factor
29.3% of students at Rockland 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
Rockland Community College offers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs but disappoints in liberal arts outcomes. The nursing program delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $67,101 annually against manageable debt of $11,193, making it one of the better community college nursing investments in New York.
Your program choice determines everything here. Allied health and criminal justice graduates earn respectable middle-class salaries in the $40,000s, while liberal arts students face concerning outcomes with median earnings of just $23,768 ten years post-graduation. This income barely justifies even the low $8,400 debt load for that program.
The 29% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your credential. Your likelihood of finishing depends heavily on your preparation level and commitment to a clear career path. Students entering without specific goals face higher dropout risk.
This school works best for local students pursuing healthcare or criminal justice careers who want affordable training close to home. The low net price of $8,508 makes it accessible, and only 26% of students need financial aid, suggesting many can pay out of pocket.
Avoid Rockland if you're considering liberal arts as a stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The poor earnings outcomes suggest either weak transfer preparation or limited regional opportunities for humanities graduates. You're better served by stronger regional options that provide clearer pathways to four-year degrees or higher-paying careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockland Community College worth the money?
Rockland Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,508 per year and manageable debt of $8,497. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your return on investment if you don't complete your program.
What are the highest paying majors at Rockland Community College?
Nursing programs at Rockland Community College lead to the best earnings at $67,101 annually, followed by Allied Health at $44,572. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $23,768, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Rockland Community College students graduate with?
Rockland Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,497, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for higher-earning programs like nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Rockland Community College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Rockland Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not see any return on their investment.