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's financial picture is modest but manageable. You borrow relatively little, and the total cost sits well below what a four-year school would charge. The problem is the payoff: the median graduate earns wages that leave little room after living expenses, and only about a third of you finish. That combination is the real risk here.
What you study determines everything. Electrical Engineering Technologies is the clear winner, paying nearly $27,000 more per year than the school-wide median while costing you the same two-year price. Nursing pays well too, but it carries the heaviest debt load on this list at over $22,000, so the higher salary comes with a bigger bill. Environmental Control, Allied Health, and Criminal Justice all land near or below the school's median earnings. If you enroll in one of those, you are betting on a job market that pays modestly for the credential.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. A 36% graduation rate means most people who start here leave with debt and no degree, which flips the math from a decent deal into a loss. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can complete the program.
The net price barely moves across income levels. Families earning under $30,000 pay only about $3,600 less than families earning over $110,000, so lower income does not buy you a large discount here. Budget for close to full price regardless of what you earn.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or nursing credential, live near Fremont, and will finish. If you are undecided, or drawn to the lower-paying tracks, look harder at whether the wages justify even this school's low cost.
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.