At $7,025/yr net price, York County Community College graduates earn $44,873/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,873/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,025 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,873/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,873/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,861 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,690/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,874/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,560/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,940/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,554 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,424 |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at York 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
York County Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with median earnings of $44,873 after graduation and relatively low debt loads. Your total cost stays manageable at $7,025 per year, making this one of Maine's more affordable college options.
Criminal Justice stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $46,087 annually. Business Administration also performs well at $41,193, giving you strong earning potential without the debt burden of a four-year degree. Allied Health programs earn $30,554, which is respectable for the healthcare support field in rural Maine.
Avoid Liberal Arts and Human Services programs if maximizing income matters to you. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $22,424, barely above minimum wage work, while Human Services pays $27,048. These low returns don't justify even the modest costs here.
The school's 27.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face nearly three-in-four odds of not completing your program, which means taking on debt without the credential to boost your earnings. This completion rate ranks among the lowest nationally.
York County works best if you're career-focused, live locally to minimize housing costs, and can commit to finishing your program. The school makes sense for older students re-entering the workforce or those seeking specific technical skills in criminal justice or business.
Skip this school if you need extensive academic support, plan to transfer to a four-year institution, or want campus life experiences. The low graduation rate suggests limited student services, and transfer pathways appear weak given the program mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is York County Community College worth the cost?
York County Community College offers a low net price of $7,025 annually with graduates earning $44,873 after 10 years, making it financially reasonable for most students. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at York County Community College?
Criminal Justice graduates from York County Community College earn around $46,087 annually, while Business Administration graduates make $41,193. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $22,424, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do York County Community College graduates have?
York County Community College graduates typically leave with $8,861 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low debt load helps offset the risk from the school's low graduation rate.
Does York County Community College have good job outcomes?
York County Community College graduates earn $44,873 ten years after enrollment, which is decent for a community college. The major concern is that nearly three-quarters of students don't graduate, limiting who actually sees these earnings.