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 gives you a low-cost path into the workforce, and the debt math works in your favor. At about $7,457 a year in net price and $11,000 in median debt at graduation, you leave owing less than a single year of the median $44,573 you earn a decade out. That debt load is manageable, and it's the strongest part of the financial case here.
The weak spot is completion. Only 28% of students graduate, so the good debt-to-earnings ratio only holds if you actually finish. If you drop out with loans and no credential, you carry the cost without the payoff. Reno's economy leans on healthcare, logistics, and gaming, which favors the technical and health certificate tracks a community college like this feeds into. No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so treat the $44,573 median as a school-wide average, not a promise tied to any specific major.
On price, the tiers reward lower-income families the most. Under $30k, you pay about $6,229. over $110k, you pay $15,874 for the same seat. If your family earns under $48k, this is one of the cheapest routes to a credential in the region. At higher incomes, the net price climbs enough that you should compare it against a four-year in-state option before committing.
This school fits you if you want a low-debt, career-focused credential and you're confident you'll finish, especially if you're transferring later or entering a health or trade field. Look elsewhere if you need a structured, high-completion environment to stay on track, since the 28% grad rate means the biggest risk here is paying to start something you don't complete.
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.