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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on what you study. The median graduate earns $40,707 ten years out, which sits above the $12,851 net price but leaves little cushion. A 27% graduation rate is the bigger warning: most people who enroll here do not finish, and unfinished credits still cost money and can leave you with debt and no credential.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At $55,594, the associate nursing program earns more than double any other program on this list, and it maps directly to steady demand for RNs across the Ithaca and Cortland region. The $20,000 debt load attached to it is the highest here, but the salary makes that math work.
Everything else is weak. Business administration, liberal arts, criminal justice, and human development all land between $17,000 and $22,000 a year. Those numbers barely clear part-time or entry-level wages, and human development at $17,014 does not cover much beyond living costs. If you enroll in these programs planning to stop at the associate degree, expect thin returns. They make more sense as a cheap first two years before transferring to a four-year school.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $10,706. over $110k, you pay $18,556. Even the top tier stays affordable for a credential, but only if you graduate and pick a program that pays.
This school fits you if you want the nursing track or plan to transfer after two years. Look elsewhere, or treat it as a transfer step only, if you want a terminal associate degree in business, liberal arts, criminal justice, or human development.
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.