At $5,298/yr net price, Schenectady County Community College graduates earn $40,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,902/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,298 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,902/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,049 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,091/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,310/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,474/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,837/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,354/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Associate | $36,141 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,492 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $26,121 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,532 |
The Risk Factor
29.2% of students at Schenectady County 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
Schenectady County Community College offers weak financial returns despite its low sticker price. With median earnings of just $40,902 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 30%, most students struggle to complete programs and see meaningful income gains.
Legal Support Services stands out as the only program delivering solid returns at $41,565 annually, making it worth considering if you can handle the coursework demands. Computer and Information Sciences generates decent earnings at $36,141, though you should verify which specific tech skills the curriculum emphasizes. Criminal Justice pays $31,492, which may work if you plan to transfer to a four-year program for law enforcement advancement.
Business Administration and Hospitality Management pay poorly at $28,212 and $27,048 respectively. These wages barely exceed what you could earn without any college credential in the Capital Region job market.
The school's biggest financial risk is its dismal completion rate. With seven out of ten students failing to graduate, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The median debt of $11,049 seems manageable, but only if you actually finish your program.
SCCC makes financial sense if you need an extremely affordable starting point and plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. The $5,298 annual cost keeps debt minimal while you explore career directions or improve your academic record. However, if you want terminal career training that leads directly to employment, you should consider other community colleges with stronger completion rates and more strong job placement programs.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 24% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond standard federal aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schenectady County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,298 per year and graduates earning $40,902 after 10 years, the school offers decent value for the money. However, only 29% of students graduate, which significantly increases the risk of attending without completing a degree.
What are the best paying programs at Schenectady County Community College?
Legal Support Services leads with graduates earning $41,565 annually, followed by Computer and Information Sciences at $36,141. Business Administration graduates earn much less at $28,212, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Schenectady County Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,049, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With starting salaries around $40,902, most graduates can reasonably handle this debt load if they complete their program.
What is the graduation rate at Schenectady County Community College?
Only 29.20% of students graduate, which is well below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making the school a risky choice for students who struggle with persistence.