At $8,493/yr net price, Rogue Community College graduates earn $36,845/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,845/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,493 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,845/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,845/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 12.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,042 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,069/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,571/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,279/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,685/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 | $75,623 | $20,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,131 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $32,711 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,670 | $18,186 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $11,114 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
12.3% of students at Rogue 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
Rogue Community College offers a stark financial picture with a 12% graduation rate that makes most programs a risky investment despite relatively low costs. The school's $8,493 annual net price becomes meaningless if you don't finish your program.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering $75,623 in median earnings that justify the $20,000 debt load. This program represents your best shot at a strong return on investment at Rogue. Vehicle maintenance and repair offers decent earnings at $36,131 without the heavy debt burden that plagues other health programs.
The remaining health programs tell a cautionary tale. Dental support services and allied health assisting both saddle you with significant debt for earnings that barely exceed what you could make without college. Allied health assisting graduates carry $18,186 in debt for $31,670 in annual earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years.
Electrical engineering technology disappoints with just $28,236 in median earnings, well below what skilled trades typically offer in Oregon's job market.
You should consider Rogue only if you can commit fully to nursing or have strong mechanical aptitude for vehicle repair. The low graduation rate signals serious completion challenges that make this school particularly risky for students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support.
Look elsewhere if you're considering the lower-paying health programs or need a more structured environment to succeed. The combination of poor graduation rates and modest earnings in most programs creates too much financial risk for the potential reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rogue Community College worth the cost?
Rogue Community College's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $75,623 annually, making the $8,493 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs may not justify even the low tuition given the 12% graduation rate.
What are the best paying programs at Rogue Community College?
Registered nursing is the clear winner at Rogue Community College, with graduates earning $75,623 annually. Vehicle maintenance and repair pays $36,131, while other health programs like dental support and medical assisting offer lower returns around $32,000.
How much debt do Rogue Community College students graduate with?
Rogue Community College graduates carry a median debt of $17,042. This is manageable for nursing graduates but creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for lower-paying programs where graduates earn around $30,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Rogue Community College?
Only 12.3% of students graduate from Rogue Community College. This extremely low completion rate means most students will leave with debt but no degree, making the financial risk significant even at a relatively low cost.