At $8,145/yr net price, St Clair County Community College graduates earn $40,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,177/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,145 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,177/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,033/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,321/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,352/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,150/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,153/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 | $58,943 | $18,773 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,461 | $13,007 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,660 | $7,133 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
31.7% of students at St Clair 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
St Clair County Community College gives you a low-cost path with modest but real payoff, as long as you pick the right program. At around $8,145 a year with median debt under $12,000, your borrowing stays manageable, and the $40,177 median earnings ten years out clears what you'd owe by a comfortable margin. The financial risk here is finishing at all: fewer than a third of students graduate, and an unfinished credential leaves you with debt and no earnings bump to cover it.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. It pays close to $59,000, nearly $19,000 more than the school's median, and the roughly $18,773 in debt it carries is easy to justify against that salary. Electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance follows at about $47,000, a solid fit for the industrial and manufacturing work around Port Huron and the broader region. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs and the practical nursing certificate both land in the low $40,000s, with the certificate especially cheap to reach.
Health and medical administrative services is the program to avoid on financial grounds. At about $28,236, it pays less than the school's own median and barely moves you above high-school-only earnings. If you enroll here, steer toward clinical nursing or the technical trades.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $48,000 in household income, you pay roughly $6,000. above $110,000, you pay past $12,000. Even the top tier stays affordable for a two-year credential.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or skilled-trades credential, live nearby, and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's-level career track or can't count on completing the program, since the low graduation rate is where the money gets lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Clair County Community College worth the cost?
At $8,145 per year, St Clair County Community College offers decent value for nursing and technical programs, but the 32% graduation rate is concerning. Students earn $40,177 annually ten years after starting, which provides reasonable return on investment if you complete your program.
What are the best paying programs at St Clair County Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn $58,943 annually, making it the clear winner financially. Electromechanical instrumentation pays $47,260, while other health programs range from $28,000-$41,000.
How much debt do St Clair County Community College students typically have?
Median debt is $11,750, which is manageable for community college graduates. The low cost means most students can avoid heavy borrowing compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at St Clair County Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students don't finish their programs and may struggle to see returns on their investment.