At $16,767/yr net price, White Mountains Community College graduates earn $35,037/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,037/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,767 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,037/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,037/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 64.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| 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 | $15,090/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,182/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,388/yr |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at White Mountains Community College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
White Mountains Community College gives you a mixed financial picture, with modest debt but low earnings that limit how far that leaves you. You graduate with about $11,000 in median debt, which is light for a two-year college, and 60% of students finish. But median earnings ten years out sit near $35,000, so the debt you take on is small mainly because the payoff is small too.
The net price is the real problem here. At roughly $16,800 a year for a two-year program, you spend close to what a full four-year degree costs at some public schools, and the earnings on the other end don't match that outlay. The math works best if you finish fast and go straight into the local Berlin-area workforce, where a certificate or associate degree in a trade or health field can put you to work quickly without the extra debt of transferring.
The income tiers create a strange result you should watch. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the lowest net price, around $15,000. But every income band above that pays more, over $20,000, with no drop at higher incomes. There's no discount for the middle. If your family sits in the $30,000 to $110,000 range, you carry the heaviest cost relative to what the degree returns.
This school fits you if you live in the North Country, want a short credential tied to a local job, and can keep costs down by living at home. Look elsewhere if you're paying full sticker price hoping the degree alone lifts your earnings, because the ten-year figure says it won't. Treat this as a fast route to a specific job, not a general investment in higher income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is White Mountains Community College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $35,037 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $16,767 annually, White Mountains Community College offers modest financial returns. The low median debt of $11,000 reduces financial risk, but career earnings remain below national averages for college graduates.
What is the return on investment for White Mountains Community College?
White Mountains Community College graduates see limited financial gains, with median earnings of $35,037 after ten years. The affordable tuition and low debt burden of $11,000 help minimize financial risk, though income potential stays relatively low.
Do White Mountains Community College graduates struggle with student debt?
White Mountains Community College graduates typically finish with manageable debt of $11,000, well below national averages. However, with median earnings of $35,037 ten years out, some graduates may still find debt payments challenging relative to their income.
Which programs at White Mountains Community College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare and skilled trade programs typically offer the strongest job prospects at White Mountains Community College, given regional demand in New Hampshire. The 60% graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate program completion requirements before enrolling.