At $5,441/yr net price, Treasure Valley Community College graduates earn $36,738/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,738/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,441 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,738/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,738/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,779/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,520/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,267/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,033/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,480/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 | $58,221 | $21,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,391 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $22,192 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Treasure Valley 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
Treasure Valley Community College delivers weak overall returns, with graduates earning just $36,738 ten years after enrollment against a relatively modest net price of $5,441 annually. The school's 27% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your program.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $58,221 annually. This program justifies its higher debt load of $21,000 given the strong regional demand for healthcare workers in eastern Oregon and western Idaho. Liberal arts graduates face a harsh reality, earning only $23,391 with $12,000 in debt. Precision metal working shows similarly disappointing returns at $22,192.
The primary financial risk here is the low completion rate. More than seven out of ten students who start at Treasure Valley don't finish, leaving them with debt but no credential. This makes the school particularly risky for students without clear academic focus or strong study habits.
Treasure Valley makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the academic rigor, or if you're using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university. The low net price means minimal financial damage if you complete your program efficiently.
Avoid this school if you're considering liberal arts or general studies as a terminal degree. The earnings simply don't justify even the modest costs. Students seeking broad exploration should look at four-year options instead, while those needing career training should research completion rates in their specific programs before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Treasure Valley Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,441 per year and median debt of $12,000, Treasure Valley Community College offers affordable education, but the 27% graduation rate and $36,738 average earnings after 10 years suggest mixed value. The ROI depends heavily on completing a specific program rather than general studies.
What are the best paying programs at Treasure Valley Community College?
Nursing programs at Treasure Valley Community College lead to the highest earnings at $58,221 annually, making them the clear financial winners. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $23,391, while precision metal working pays $22,192.
How much debt do Treasure Valley Community College students graduate with?
Treasure Valley Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with the low 27% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Treasure Valley Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate from Treasure Valley Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means most students don't finish their programs, reducing the potential return on investment.