At $15,929/yr net price, Anne Arundel Community College graduates earn $46,219/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,219/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,219/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,219/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,843/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,289/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,798/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,274/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 | $62,756 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $54,567 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $49,683 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $49,631 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $40,089 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
25.5% of students at Anne Arundel 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
Anne Arundel Community College delivers solid returns for specific career-focused programs but struggles with overall completion rates that undermine its financial value. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $62,756 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in Maryland's competitive healthcare market.
Healthcare and technical programs drive the best outcomes here. Computer networking graduates earn $57,318, while medical assisting and lab science programs both clear $52,000. These salaries justify the relatively high $15,929 annual cost because they lead directly to in-demand jobs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
The major financial risk is the 25.5% graduation rate. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. This makes program choice critical at AACC.
You should consider AACC if you can commit to completing a healthcare or technical program and have clear career goals. The school works best for students who need flexible scheduling while working, given its strong part-time options and proximity to major employment centers.
Avoid AACC if you're uncertain about your major or considering transfer to a four-year school. The low completion rates suggest many students struggle with the transition to college-level work or find better fits elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches only 20% of students, so most pay full price. The $8,250 median debt load remains manageable for graduates in high-earning programs but becomes problematic for those who don't complete degrees. Focus on programs with clear employment pathways and avoid general studies unless you have a definite transfer plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anne Arundel Community College worth the cost?
Anne Arundel Community College can be worth it for specific career-focused programs, especially nursing and healthcare fields that lead to median earnings of $52,000-$63,000. However, the overall 10-year earnings average of $46,219 is modest given the $15,929 annual cost.
What are the best paying programs at Anne Arundel Community College?
Registered nursing programs offer the highest return at Anne Arundel Community College, with graduates earning a median of $62,756 after 10 years. Computer networking and allied health programs also perform well, with median earnings between $52,000-$57,000.
How much debt do Anne Arundel Community College graduates have?
Anne Arundel Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $8,250, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall value proposition, especially for students in higher-paying healthcare programs.
What is the graduation rate at Anne Arundel Community College?
Anne Arundel Community College has a 25.5% graduation rate, which is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall return on investment for students who don't finish.