At $9,980/yr net price, Three Rivers College graduates earn $32,442/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,442/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,558/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,293/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,144/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,597/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 | $50,856 | $14,021 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,426 | $8,171 |
The Risk Factor
34.5% of students at Three Rivers 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
Three Rivers College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but poor outcomes for general studies. The $9,980 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but your program choice determines whether you'll earn enough to justify the investment.
Nursing programs provide the strongest ROI at this school. Registered nursing graduates earn $50,856 annually with $14,021 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Practical nursing also performs well at $37,208, though specific debt data isn't available for this track. These healthcare programs tap into Missouri's growing medical sector and justify the time and cost.
Liberal arts degrees show concerning returns. General studies graduates earn just $19,426 annually with $8,171 in debt. This creates a financial dead end where your degree barely lifts earnings above what you could make without college. Business support programs fall into similar territory at $24,421.
The 34.5% graduation rate presents a major risk. You face better than one-in-three odds of leaving without credentials while still carrying debt. This makes program selection critical since incomplete degrees offer no earning boost.
Three Rivers works financially if you pursue nursing or other healthcare tracks and can commit to finishing. The school serves students who need affordable local training for specific careers. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts or aren't certain about completing your program. The low graduation rate and weak outcomes in general programs make it a poor choice for exploratory students or those seeking broad-based education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Three Rivers College worth the cost?
Three Rivers College offers decent value for specific career programs, particularly nursing, but overall graduates earn just $32,442 after 10 years. The low net price of $9,980 annually helps offset modest earnings, though the 34.5% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the best paying programs at Three Rivers College?
Registered nursing programs at Three Rivers College lead to median earnings of $50,856, making them the clear financial winners. Practical nursing follows at $37,208, while business support programs pay $24,421 and liberal arts graduates typically earn just $19,426.
How much debt do Three Rivers College graduates have?
Three Rivers College graduates carry a median debt of $10,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment, especially for nursing program graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Three Rivers College?
Only 34.5% of students graduate from Three Rivers College, meaning two-thirds don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and career outcomes.