College of Micronesia-FSM
College of Micronesia-FSM — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
College of Micronesia-FSM at a Glance
The College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM) is a public community college in the Federated States of Micronesia. It began operation in 1963 as the Micronesian Teacher Education Center.
1978
48 years old
Is College of Micronesia-FSM Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, College of Micronesia-FSM is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $24,651 — 54% below average — while paying $6,789/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 32% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at College of Micronesia-FSM has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How College of Micronesia-FSM compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 8 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #2 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #3 | University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla | 42 | $7,765 | $27,997 |
| #4 | Guam Community College | 40 | $4,106 | $27,820 |
| #5 | Oglala Lakota College | 30 | $1,895 | $22,517 |
| #6 | College of Micronesia-FSM | 29 | $6,789 | $24,651 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of College of Micronesia-FSM's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at College of Micronesia-FSM
Program-level earnings data isn't available for College of Micronesia-FSM. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $6,789/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Pohnpei, FM
- Student Body
- 1,729 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 32%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $6,789
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $24,651