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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a median debt of about $8,500, roughly one year's net price. That's a manageable number, and median earnings of $50,243 ten years out clear it easily. The financial picture holds up as long as you pick the right program and actually finish.
That last part is the catch. Fewer than 3 in 10 students graduate. If you leave with debt and no credential, the earnings figures don't apply to you, and the debt still does. This is the main financial risk here, and it's a big one.
Nursing is the clear winner. An associate in registered nursing pays about $67,100, and it feeds directly into the healthcare jobs across Rockland County and the nearby New York metro. The higher debt attached to nursing, around $11,200, is easy to justify against that salary. Allied health and medical assisting land near $44,600, and criminal justice around $41,900 on similar low debt. All three pay off.
The liberal arts and general studies track pays about $23,800, less than half of nursing. As a terminal credential, it doesn't return much. It works if you transfer to a four-year school for a bachelor's, but on its own the numbers are weak.
The net price tiers stay affordable at the low end. Under $30k in family income, you pay about $6,300. over $110k, closer to $14,700. Even the top tier is cheap next to most four-year options.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or allied-health credential without much debt, or a low-cost transfer path. Look elsewhere if you're unlikely to finish or plan to stop at a general-studies associate.
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.