At $3,474/yr net price, Turtle Mountain Community College graduates earn $32,079/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,474 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,079/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,921/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,237/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,401/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,012/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $28,212 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
54.5% of students at Turtle Mountain Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Turtle Mountain Community College keeps your out-of-pocket cost low, and that low price is the whole ROI story here. At roughly $3,500 a year, your total four-year investment is small enough that even modest earnings can justify it. But the median earnings ten years out land near $32,000, which is below what many bachelor's holders earn and close to what you might make without a degree. The return is real but thin.
The one bright spot in the program data is Teacher Education, where bachelor's graduates earn around $47,000. That's over $15,000 more than the school-wide median, so if you're headed into teaching in this region, the math works in your favor. No other bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so you can't count on similar payoffs elsewhere. If you enroll expecting a specific career salary and it isn't teaching, verify the numbers directly before committing.
The financial risk here isn't debt from tuition, since your net price stays low across income levels. The risk is the low earnings ceiling. A 54.5% graduation rate also means roughly one in two students doesn't finish, and a partial education with no degree gives you the cost with none of the payoff.
The net price barely moves by income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $3,300. between $48,000 and $75,000 it rises to about $5,000. Either way, this is one of the most affordable four-year options you'll find.
This school fits you if you're staying in the Belcourt area, especially for teaching, and you value low cost over high earnings. Look elsewhere if you're chasing a high salary in a field the program data here doesn't back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turtle Mountain Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,474 per year, Turtle Mountain Community College offers affordable education, but graduates earn just $32,079 annually after 10 years. The low cost makes it financially accessible, though earning potential remains limited for most programs.
What are the best paying programs at Turtle Mountain Community College?
Teacher Education graduates from Turtle Mountain Community College earn around $47,260, making it the highest-paying program. Ground Transportation pays about $28,212, while Liberal Arts graduates typically earn $25,194.
How much debt do Turtle Mountain Community College graduates have?
The low net price of $3,474 per year at Turtle Mountain Community College means students can graduate with minimal debt if they avoid excessive borrowing. However, with a 54.5% graduation rate, many students risk accumulating debt without completing their programs.
Does Turtle Mountain Community College have good job placement rates?
Turtle Mountain Community College's 54.5% graduation rate indicates that nearly half of students don't finish their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the low average earnings of $32,079 suggest limited career advancement opportunities for most graduates.