At $4,882/yr net price, Suffolk County Community College graduates earn $49,907/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,907/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,907/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,907/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,771/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,491/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,022/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,742/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,022/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 | $71,686 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $49,918 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,128 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $39,729 | |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other. | Associate | $36,324 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,495 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
24.9% of students at Suffolk 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
Suffolk County Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career tracks but requires careful program selection. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $71,686 annually against just $9,000 in debt, creating an strong return on investment that rivals many four-year degrees.
Your program choice determines everything at Suffolk. Allied health fields consistently produce solid returns, with medical assisting services graduates earning nearly $50,000 yearly. HVAC technicians also see respectable earnings at $46,478, reflecting strong demand in the Long Island service economy. However, the 25% graduation rate signals that many students struggle to complete their programs, which eliminates any potential return.
The financial risk here is program completion rather than cost. At under $5,000 annually, Suffolk ranks among the most affordable options available. With median debt of just $8,250, you avoid the crushing loan burdens that plague other institutions. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either strong affordability or limited financial support for those who need it.
Suffolk works best if you target high-demand technical fields and can handle the completion challenges. The school suits career changers, working adults, and students seeking specific certifications without extensive debt. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want a traditional college experience with higher completion rates.
The location advantage cannot be ignored. Long Island's healthcare system and service economy create steady demand for Suffolk graduates in nursing and technical fields, making local job placement more predictable than at community colleges in economically struggling regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suffolk County Community College worth the money?
At $4,882 per year with median debt of only $8,250, Suffolk County Community College offers decent value for specific career programs. Nursing graduates earn $71,686 within 10 years, making the investment worthwhile, but the overall 24.9% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What programs at Suffolk County Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs deliver the strongest returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $71,686 annually. HVAC technician training also pays off well at $46,478, while general programs show weaker earning potential at the school's average of $49,907.
How much debt do Suffolk County Community College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $8,250, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low annual cost of $4,882 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Why is Suffolk County Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 24.9% of students graduate, likely due to the challenges many community college students face with work and family obligations. This means there's significant risk of accumulating debt without completing a program.