At $12,544/yr net price, Roxbury Community College graduates earn $38,773/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,773/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,544 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,773/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,773/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 10.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,223/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,752/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,178/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,210/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 | $69,757 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,077 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $30,119 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
10.4% of students at Roxbury 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
Roxbury Community College presents a challenging financial picture with a 10% graduation rate that severely undermines potential returns on your investment. The $12,544 annual net price becomes problematic when paired with median earnings of just $38,773 ten years after enrollment.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $69,757 annually. This represents strong ROI if you complete the program and pass licensing requirements. Criminal justice graduates earn $42,682, providing decent returns for a two-year degree in the Boston area job market.
Business administration and health services programs show weaker returns at $37,748 and $33,077 respectively. Teacher education generates the lowest earnings at $30,119, making it financially questionable given the degree requirements needed for actual teaching positions.
Your biggest risk here is the graduation rate. Nine out of ten students don't finish, meaning you could spend money without gaining credentials. This makes Roxbury suitable only if you have strong academic preparation and clear career goals, particularly in nursing or criminal justice.
With 60% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely qualify for assistance that could reduce your actual costs below the stated net price. This school makes financial sense if you can secure substantial aid, have specific career training needs that align with the stronger programs, and possess the academic foundation to actually graduate. Otherwise, consider four-year options or community colleges with higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roxbury Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Roxbury Community College has a very low graduation rate of 10.4%, meaning most students don't finish their programs. The average earnings of $38,773 ten years after enrollment are below the national average for college graduates.
Which programs at Roxbury Community College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Roxbury Community College, with graduates earning around $69,757 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn $42,682, while business and health science programs show lower returns in the $30,000-37,000 range.
What are the financial aid options at Roxbury Community College?
The net price at Roxbury Community College averages $12,544 per year after financial aid. As a community college, costs are relatively low, but the extremely low graduation rate means many students may not complete programs to see returns on their investment.
Should I attend Roxbury Community College or transfer to a four-year school?
Given Roxbury Community College's 10.4% graduation rate, students should have a clear completion plan and consider transfer options early. The nursing program offers good career prospects, but other programs may provide better value at four-year institutions with higher graduation rates.