At $4,586/yr net price, Ulster County Community College graduates earn $41,896/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,896/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,586 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,896/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,896/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,939/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,930/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,159/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,253/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,149/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 | $66,461 | $19,372 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $53,810 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,391 | $6,532 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,613 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at Ulster County 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
Ulster County Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right program. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $66,461 annually, making it one of the better community college nursing programs in New York despite higher debt loads of $19,372.
Criminal justice programs show mixed results at Ulster County. The higher-earning track pays $53,810, while another criminal justice pathway yields just $29,685. Business administration graduates earn $32,391 with manageable debt of $6,532, offering decent returns for the Hudson Valley job market.
The 30.8% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face real chances of accumulating debt without completing your degree. This matters more at Ulster County than other community colleges because only 15.87% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay the full net price of $4,586 annually.
Ulster County works best if you target nursing or the higher-paying criminal justice track and have strong academic habits to ensure completion. The school serves the Hudson Valley region well for healthcare careers, with proximity to hospitals in Kingston and Poughkeepsie.
Avoid veterinary technology at Ulster County, where graduates earn just $30,409. Look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid support, as the school provides limited assistance compared to other community colleges. Your best strategy involves completing your associate degree quickly in a high-demand local field, particularly healthcare, then transferring to a four-year program if additional credentials make financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ulster County Community College worth the money?
Ulster County Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,586 per year and minimal debt load. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning and average earnings of $41,896 after 10 years are modest outside of nursing programs.
What are the best paying programs at Ulster County Community College?
Nursing programs at Ulster County Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $66,461 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn about $53,810, while other programs like business and veterinary tech offer more limited earning potential.
How much debt do Ulster County Community College graduates have?
Ulster County Community College graduates typically leave with just $10,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost helps minimize financial risk even for programs with lower earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Ulster County Community College?
Only 31% of students graduate from Ulster County Community College within the typical timeframe. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their programs or transfer successfully to four-year institutions.