At $5,372/yr net price, Schoolcraft Community College District graduates earn $42,722/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,722/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,372 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,722/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,722/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,943/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,324/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,373/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,561/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,611/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,997 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $39,153 | $10,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $14,912 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,816 | $10,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,389 | $8,904 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | $16,325 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,508 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,004 | $10,062 |
The Risk Factor
15.3% of students at Schoolcraft Community College District 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
Schoolcraft Community College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in technical fields but concerning outcomes in traditional business programs. The $5,372 annual net price makes it one of Michigan's more affordable options, though the 15% graduation rate creates significant completion risk for your investment.
The electromechanical instrumentation program delivers strong returns at $63,997 median earnings, making it one of the strongest ROI options among Michigan community colleges. Criminal justice graduates earn $39,153 with manageable $10,500 debt loads. However, business programs show weak returns with general business majors earning just $35,060 and business administration graduates making only $28,816 despite similar debt burdens.
Your biggest financial risk at Schoolcraft is non-completion. With fewer than one in six students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The health administration program carries higher debt at $14,912 for relatively modest $38,289 earnings, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio.
Schoolcraft works financially if you target high-earning technical programs and have strong completion motivation. Students interested in skilled trades or criminal justice can achieve solid returns. However, if you're considering general business programs or lack confidence in finishing, the low graduation rates make this a risky investment. The school's proximity to Detroit's automotive and manufacturing sectors benefits technical graduates but provides limited advantage for business majors.
Only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing quickly in high-earning programs to maximize your return on this affordable but completion-challenged institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schoolcraft Community College District worth the cost?
Schoolcraft's low $5,372 annual cost makes it financially accessible, but the 15% graduation rate raises concerns about completion. The electromechanical program offers strong earning potential at $64,000, while other programs lag behind with earnings in the $28,000-39,000 range.
What are the best paying programs at Schoolcraft Community College District?
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies leads at $63,997 annually, significantly outpacing other programs. Criminal Justice ($39,153) and Health Administration ($38,289) offer moderate returns, while business programs typically result in lower earnings.
How much debt do Schoolcraft Community College District graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $10,500 in debt, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. However, with only 15% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Schoolcraft Community College District have good job placement after graduation?
Graduate earnings average $42,722 after 10 years, which varies significantly by program. The extremely low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their studies, which limits job prospects regardless of program quality.