Head-to-head · 2026
Manchester Community College vs Plymouth State University
Compare average net price ($14,143 at Manchester Community College; $19,216 at Plymouth State University), ROI score (8.67 vs 7.46), ten-year median earnings ($49,063 vs $57,304), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Manchester Community College; 87.5% at Plymouth State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Manchester Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Manchester 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 | Manchester Community College | Plymouth State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.67 ✓ | 7.46 |
| Avg net price | $14,143 ✓ | $19,216 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,063 | $57,304 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 87.5% |
| Graduation rate | 41.3% | 52% ✓ |
| Median debt | $15,060 ✓ | $26,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,587 | 3,153 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Plymouth State University costs $5,073 more per year than Manchester Community College ($19,216 vs $14,143). Plymouth State University graduates report $8,241 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,304 vs $49,063). On EduGradify's model that puts Manchester Community College ahead on projected ROI (8.67 vs 7.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Manchester Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Plymouth State University reports 87.5% acceptance; Manchester Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Manchester Community College vs Plymouth State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Manchester Community College or Plymouth State University the better value?
Manchester Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.67 vs 7.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Manchester Community College is cheaper — average net price $14,143 per year vs $19,216 at Plymouth State University. The annual difference of $5,073 adds up to about $20,292 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Plymouth State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,304 vs $49,063 at Manchester Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,241.
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. Manchester Community College reports a B value grade; Plymouth State University reports B.