At $11,691/yr net price, Terra State Community College graduates earn $36,612/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,612/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,691 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,612/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,612/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,371/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,493/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,977/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,962/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,105 | $22,057 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,593 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,598 | $18,953 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
36.1% of students at Terra State 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
Terra State Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $11,691 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, but the 36% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.
Electrical Engineering Technologies stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,005 annually. This program offers strong ROI given Ohio's manufacturing base and growing renewable energy sector. Registered Nursing also pays well at $50,105, though you'll take on higher debt at $22,057. Environmental Control Technologies provides solid middle-ground earnings at $41,193.
Criminal Justice graduates face tougher prospects at $37,208 annually, barely above the school's overall median. Allied Health programs fall into similar territory. These fields offer limited salary growth in the Fremont area's job market.
Your biggest risk is the low graduation rate. Terra State works best if you have clear career goals in high-demand technical fields and can stay focused through completion. The school makes sense for students seeking affordable entry into nursing or engineering technologies without the debt burden of four-year programs.
Financial aid reaches only 25% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely publicized. You should pursue this school if you live locally, need flexible scheduling, and target one of the higher-paying technical programs. Look elsewhere if you lack clear career direction or want broader educational options that justify higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terra State Community College worth the cost?
Terra State's $11,691 annual cost leads to median earnings of $36,612 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 36% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Terra State Community College?
Electrical Engineering Technology graduates earn around $63,000 annually, making it the best ROI program. Nursing graduates average $50,000, while most other programs lead to earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000 range.
How much debt do Terra State Community College students graduate with?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with typical starting salaries around $37,000, loan payments will still take a significant portion of income.
Does Terra State Community College have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 36% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs. Technical programs like electrical engineering and nursing offer better career prospects than general studies or criminal justice.