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 keeps costs low, with a net price around $5,441 a year and median debt of $12,000. That debt sits close to a single year's cost, so you won't dig a deep hole to attend. The problem is what you get on the other side: median earnings ten years out land at $36,738, and only about a quarter of students finish. Those two numbers set the ceiling on the return here.
The nursing associate degree is the reason to come. It pays $58,221, more than $20,000 above the school's median and roughly $35,000 more than the next programs. You carry more debt for it, near $21,000, but the earnings justify that gap. Liberal arts and precision metal working both pay in the low $22,000s, below the school median, and liberal arts is a transfer track that only pays off if you actually move on to a four-year degree. Metal working ties you to the local trades market and shows no earnings lift for the credential.
The main financial risk is the 27% graduation rate. Pay the low price, leave without finishing, and you get the cost with none of the wage bump. The net price tiers also carry a quirk: if your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay about $9,267, more than families above $110,000. So the middle-income band absorbs the highest cost here.
This school fits you if you enter the nursing program and finish it, or if you use it as a cheap first two years before transferring. If you want a terminal degree in liberal arts or metal working and plan to stop here, the earnings don't support the choice, and you should look at programs with a clearer wage payoff.
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.