At $3,561/yr net price, Washtenaw Community College graduates earn $39,449/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,449/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,561 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,449/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,449/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,310 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,431/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,202/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,778/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,434/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,161/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $64,493 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,331 | $16,851 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $51,792 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $20,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,896 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $40,467 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $36,131 | $5,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 | $13,566 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,925 | $12,500 |
The Risk Factor
30.3% of students at Washtenaw 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
Washtenaw Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, though your program choice makes all the difference. The $3,561 annual net price creates a low-risk path to middle-class earnings in Michigan's job market.
Your best financial bets are the skilled trades and healthcare programs. Building and construction management graduates earn $64,493 annually, while registered nurses pull in $54,331. HVAC technicians start at $41,565, reflecting strong demand in southeastern Michigan's growing construction sector. These programs justify their costs quickly given the modest debt loads.
Criminal justice offers decent earnings at $51,792 but faces limited advancement opportunities in the region. Allied health programs carry higher debt loads relative to starting salaries, making the financial math tighter.
The 30% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to consider seriously. Many students struggle to finish, which eliminates any ROI entirely. This school works best if you enter with clear career goals and strong study habits.
Financial aid coverage is limited, with only 27% of students receiving assistance. You'll likely pay the full net price, but the low sticker price makes this manageable for most Michigan families. The school offers payment plans that let you spread costs across semesters.
Washtenaw Community College makes financial sense if you target high-demand programs like nursing, skilled trades, or construction management. Skip this school if you're exploring general studies or uncertain about your career direction. The combination of low costs and strong job placement in specific fields creates genuine opportunity, but only if you pick the right program and finish what you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washtenaw Community College worth the cost?
At $3,561 per year, Washtenaw Community College offers decent value for specific career programs like construction and nursing, which can lead to starting salaries above $50,000. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Washtenaw Community College?
Construction and building inspection programs at Washtenaw Community College lead to median earnings of $64,493, while nursing graduates earn around $54,331. Criminal justice and HVAC programs also offer solid returns at $51,792 and $41,565 respectively.
How much debt do Washtenaw Community College graduates have?
Washtenaw Community College graduates carry a median debt of $13,310, which is manageable for programs that lead to higher earnings like construction or nursing. Students in lower-paying fields may struggle more with this debt load.
What is the graduation rate at Washtenaw Community College?
Only 30% of students graduate from Washtenaw Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall return on investment for many students.