At $7,457/yr net price, Truckee Meadows Community College graduates earn $44,573/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,573/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,457 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,573/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,573/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,229/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,191/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,294/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,379/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,874/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 | $66,653 | $17,125 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,138 | $10,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,487 | $8,500 |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $27,497 | $8,750 |
The Risk Factor
28.2% of students at Truckee Meadows 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
Truckee Meadows Community College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition. The nursing program generates $66,653 in median earnings against just $17,125 in debt, creating an excellent return on investment that reflects Nevada's healthcare job market demand.
Your best financial bets are the health-focused programs. Dental support services and allied health diagnostic programs both clear $50,000 annually, positioning graduates well in Reno's medical sector. These technical healthcare roles offer stable career paths without the extended training requirements of four-year degrees.
Criminal justice and veterinary technology programs present weaker returns at under $40,000 annually. Given the relatively low debt load, these aren't financial disasters, but you'll face longer payback periods and limited income growth potential in these fields.
The major financial risk is the 28% graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion challenge particularly hurts students in longer programs who accumulate more costs before dropping out.
TMCC works best financially if you're career-focused on healthcare and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price of $7,457 annually makes it accessible, but only 15% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay close to the sticker price. Students seeking broad exploration or unsure about their major face higher dropout risk and should consider their commitment level carefully before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Truckee Meadows Community College worth the cost?
For nursing and dental programs, yes - graduates earn $60,000+ annually while keeping debt low at around $11,000. The low graduation rate of 28% means many students don't finish, which hurts the overall value.
What are the best paying programs at Truckee Meadows Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $66,653 average earnings, followed by dental support services at $61,516. Criminal justice and veterinary tech programs pay significantly less at around $38,000-39,000.
How much debt do Truckee Meadows Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $7,457 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Truckee Meadows Community College?
Only 28% of students graduate, which is a major concern for ROI. This means most students either transfer or drop out without completing their program.