Head-to-head · 2026
Donnelly College vs Independence Community College
Compare average net price ($11,476 at Donnelly College; $3,265 at Independence Community College), ROI score (7.78 vs 26.75), ten-year median earnings ($35,715 vs $34,941), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Donnelly College; Open / not reported at Independence Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Independence Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Independence Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Donnelly College | Independence Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.78 | 26.75 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,476 | $3,265 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,715 ✓ | $34,941 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 45.8% ✓ | 26.3% |
| Median debt | $11,842 | $6,115 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 395 | 486 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Donnelly College costs $8,211 more per year than Independence Community College ($11,476 vs $3,265). Donnelly College graduates report $774 higher median earnings after ten years ($35,715 vs $34,941). On EduGradify's model that puts Independence Community College ahead on projected ROI (26.75 vs 7.78, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Independence Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Donnelly College vs Independence Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Donnelly College or Independence Community College the better value?
Independence Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (26.75 vs 7.78), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Independence Community College is cheaper — average net price $3,265 per year vs $11,476 at Donnelly College. The annual difference of $8,211 adds up to about $32,844 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Donnelly College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $35,715 vs $34,941 at Independence Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $774.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Donnelly College reports a B value grade; Independence Community College reports A+.

