Students at Sinclair Community College benefit from some of the lowest educational costs in the nation, with net prices that make higher education accessible to virtually any family budget.
The institution's exceptional affordability allows students to pursue credentials and skills development with minimal financial risk, though earnings outcomes remain modest compared to other options.
Sinclair Community College serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in Ohio, though it faces challenges in long-term earnings outcomes that prospective students should understand. As a large public community college in Dayton, Sinclair excels at keeping costs extremely low—among the most affordable options nationwide—with net prices ranging from just $3,855 for low-income students to $8,559 for higher-income families. This affordability makes it particularly valuable for students who need to minimize debt or who plan to transfer to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere.
However, the financial returns present a more complex picture. Graduates earn a median of $37,558 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes. More concerning, graduates earn about $4,769 less than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting that the earnings outcomes fall short of what might be expected even accounting for the community college context.
The institution serves a diverse student body, with 27% receiving Pell Grants and 45% being first-generation college students. While access is strong, the completion rate of 32% after six years indicates that many students face challenges finishing their programs. For students who do complete their studies and understand the earnings limitations, Sinclair offers an extremely affordable path to credentials and skills development in the Dayton region.
Program-level data for Sinclair Community College is not available in sufficient detail to provide specific major-by-major analysis. As a community college, Sinclair typically offers a mix of transfer-oriented liberal arts programs, career and technical education certificates, and workforce development training. Students should research specific programs of interest directly with the institution to understand completion rates, job placement outcomes, and transfer pathways.
The overall earnings outcomes suggest that students should carefully evaluate their program choices and post-graduation plans. Those planning to transfer to four-year institutions can benefit from Sinclair's affordability while completing general education requirements. Students entering career and technical programs should research local job market demand and typical wages in their fields of interest.
Given the modest overall earnings outcomes, students focused on maximizing long-term financial returns should ensure they have clear career pathways and realistic expectations about post-graduation earning potential. The institution's greatest strength lies in providing affordable access to education rather than delivering high-return career outcomes.
Sinclair Community College graduates face significant earnings challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $37,558, placing the institution in the bottom 20% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. More troubling, graduates earn approximately $4,769 less than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating that even within the community college sector, Sinclair's earnings outcomes underperform expectations.
The earnings trajectory shows modest growth over time, with graduates earning $33,821 at the six-year mark and reaching $37,558 by year ten. While 378 graduates do achieve earnings above $75,000, this represents a small fraction of the total graduate population. The institution's loan repayment patterns reflect these earnings challenges, with only about 42% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans, though the federal default rate remains at zero percent.
These outcomes suggest that while Sinclair provides educational access, students should have realistic expectations about post-graduation earning potential. The institution may work best for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions, those entering specific technical fields with local demand, or individuals seeking basic skills development rather than maximizing long-term earnings. Students focused primarily on financial returns might want to explore alternative pathways or ensure they have clear transfer plans to bachelor's degree programs.
Sinclair Community College stands out as exceptionally affordable, ranking in the top 10% nationally for keeping costs low across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $3,855 annually, middle-income families pay $6,703, and even higher-income students pay only $8,559—making it accessible to virtually any family budget. These net prices are substantially below what most community colleges charge, reflecting strong state support and institutional commitment to affordability.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $12,000 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that reflects both the low sticker prices and the shorter program lengths common at community colleges. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,632, which is reasonable given that many families use these loans to cover living expenses rather than high tuition costs. The combination of low net prices and modest debt loads means that most students can complete their programs without taking on burdensome financial obligations.
The affordability advantage becomes even more pronounced when considering that many students use Sinclair as a stepping stone to four-year degrees, allowing them to complete general education requirements at a fraction of the cost they would pay at universities. For students who complete their studies at Sinclair, the low debt levels provide financial flexibility even if earnings remain modest, making this one of the most financially accessible higher education options in Ohio.
Sinclair Community College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
