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 keeps your costs low, and that is the strongest part of its financial picture. At about $5,300 a year in net price and median debt near $11,000, you are not taking on the kind of loans that follow people for decades. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit around $41,000, and the graduation rate is under 30%. That last number is the real risk here. If you enroll and do not finish, you carry the cost without the credential, and most people who start do not graduate.
Program choice matters more than at most schools because the payoffs vary widely. Legal Support Services graduates earn roughly $41,600, while Hospitality Administration comes in near $27,000. That is a $14,000 annual gap between two associate degrees at the same college. Legal Support Services and the computer and information sciences track are where the money is. Business Administration and Hospitality both land below $30,000, which is thin for the effort of finishing a degree.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $30,000, where you pay closer to $3,100 a year. Above $110,000, you pay over $12,000, which changes the math when the earnings ceiling is $41,000. For lower-income families, the low cost plus low debt makes this a reasonable place to test a field or transfer credits cheaply.
This school fits you if you are cost-conscious, plan to finish, and pick Legal Support Services or the computer track. Look elsewhere if you want a hospitality or general business degree to pay off on its own, or if you are unsure you will complete the program. The low price protects you, but only if you graduate.
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.