At $12,851/yr net price, Tompkins Cortland Community College graduates earn $40,707/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,707/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,851 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,707/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,707/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,706/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,734/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,859/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,726/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,556/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 | $55,594 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $11,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $20,687 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $17,014 |
The Risk Factor
27.4% of students at Tompkins Cortland 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
Tompkins Cortland Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $40,707 creating a modest premium over the $12,851 annual cost but concerning outcomes across most programs.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $55,594 in median earnings that justify the $20,000 debt load. This represents the only pathway at TC3 where your investment pays off substantially. All other major programs produce earnings in the $17,000-$22,000 range, barely above what you could earn without college credentials in many cases.
The school's 27% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face better than even odds of leaving without completing your degree, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Liberal arts students who do graduate carry $11,500 in debt for $21,508 annual earnings, creating a lengthy payback period.
TC3 works financially if you can secure admission to nursing and complete the program successfully. The school also makes sense if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution, using TC3's lower costs as a stepping stone. Commuter students who can live at home while attending reduce their total investment substantially.
You should look elsewhere if you want programs in business, criminal justice, or human services, where TC3's outcomes lag significantly. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support for cost reduction. Career-focused students outside of nursing will find better earning potential through trade programs or direct workforce entry in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tompkins Cortland Community College worth the money?
The value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $55,594 annually, making the $12,851 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like criminal justice and human services lead to much lower earnings around $17,000-$21,000.
What is the graduation rate at Tompkins Cortland Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means most students either transfer or drop out before completing their degree.
How much debt do Tompkins Cortland Community College graduates have?
Typical graduates leave with $15,750 in debt. Given that many programs lead to starting salaries around $20,000, this debt burden could be challenging to manage.
Which programs at Tompkins Cortland Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing is the clear winner with graduates earning $55,594 annually. Business administration graduates earn about $22,000, while liberal arts and criminal justice programs typically lead to lower-paying jobs.