At $8,488/yr net price, SUNY Corning Community College graduates earn $38,817/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,817/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,488 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,817/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,817/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,924/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,658/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,028/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,511/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,606/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 | $56,797 | $21,795 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,246 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $23,745 | $10,480 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $18,967 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at SUNY Corning 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
SUNY Corning Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,797 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI options despite higher debt loads of $21,795. This creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio in a field with strong regional demand.
Your other program choices show weaker earning potential. Liberal arts graduates earn just $24,246 annually with $11,000 in debt, while criminal justice majors face similar earning constraints at $29,685. The computer science program falls short of industry standards at $33,993, though it carries less debt risk.
The school's 32.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your degree. The low 17.12% financial aid participation rate suggests limited grant opportunities, meaning you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
This school works best if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the program's demands, or if you need affordable general education credits before transferring. The $8,488 annual net price makes it accessible for local students seeking specific vocational training.
You should look elsewhere if you want computer science training with competitive earning potential, or if you need extensive student support services to ensure degree completion. The combination of low graduation rates and limited high-earning programs makes this a risky choice for students uncertain about their career direction or academic preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Corning Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $8,488 and median earnings of $38,817 after 10 years, SUNY Corning offers reasonable value for a two-year degree. The low cost and $12,000 median debt make it financially accessible, though the 33% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the highest paying programs at SUNY Corning Community College?
Nursing programs at SUNY Corning lead to median earnings of $56,797, making them the clear ROI winners. Computer science graduates earn around $34,000, while liberal arts majors typically earn $24,246.
How much debt do SUNY Corning Community College graduates have?
SUNY Corning graduates have a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only one-third of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I choose SUNY Corning Community College over a four-year school?
SUNY Corning makes sense if you're pursuing nursing or need an affordable path to higher education. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, so consider your academic preparedness and career goals carefully.