At $16,465/yr net price, Alamance Community College graduates earn $34,241/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $241/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,465 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,241/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$241/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 273.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,278/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,498/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,938/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,891/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,646 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $30,650 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,679 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,207 |
The Risk Factor
29.5% of students at Alamance 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
Alamance Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing standing out as the clear winner while most other programs struggle to justify their costs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $54,646 annually, creating a strong payback scenario even with the $16,465 yearly price tag. Clinical lab science also performs well at $41,565 in median earnings.
The financial picture gets murky for other popular programs. Criminal justice graduates earn $33,993, which barely covers the cost of attendance when you factor in opportunity costs and loan interest. Business administration fares worse at $31,848, making it a questionable investment given the school's price point. The 29.5% graduation rate amplifies these risks since you face the full cost burden whether you finish or not.
You face specific risks at Alamance given its location in central North Carolina's transitioning economy. The region offers limited high-paying opportunities outside healthcare, which explains why non-nursing programs show weak returns. If you're not pursuing nursing or lab science, consider whether local job prospects justify the investment.
This school makes financial sense if you're targeting nursing or healthcare fields and can commit to completing your program. The low percentage of students receiving aid (24.6%) suggests limited financial support, so you'll likely pay close to the full price. If you're considering business, criminal justice, or general studies, explore four-year transfer options that might offer better long-term returns, or look at technical programs at other community colleges with stronger industry partnerships in your target field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alamance Community College worth the cost?
Alamance Community College has mixed value with a net price of $16,465 annually and median earnings of $34,241 ten years after graduation. The nursing programs offer strong returns at $54,646, but many other programs lead to earnings barely above the poverty line.
What are the best paying programs at Alamance Community College?
Registered Nursing graduates earn the highest at $54,646 annually, followed by Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science at $41,565. Most other programs, including Business Administration and Criminal Justice, produce much lower earnings around $32,000-$34,000.
How much debt will I have after Alamance Community College?
With a net price of $16,465 per year and a 29.5% graduation rate, many students either accumulate debt without finishing or take longer than expected to complete programs. Those who don't graduate in nursing or lab science face significant debt relative to their earning potential.
Should I choose Alamance Community College over a four-year school?
Alamance Community College makes financial sense only if you complete one of the higher-paying programs like nursing or lab science. For general business or criminal justice, the low graduation rate and modest earnings may not justify even the community college cost.