At $12,851/yr net price, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College graduates earn $36,048/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,048/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,851 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,048/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,048/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,528 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,472/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,173/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,401/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,879/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,787/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $54,153 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,951 | $18,176 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $44,189 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,263 | $20,000 |
| Agricultural and Food Products Processing. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,992 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,947 |
The Risk Factor
32.1% of students at Asheville-Buncombe Technical 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
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers solid returns if you choose the right program, but graduates in lower-paying fields face financial challenges in an expensive region. The school's location in Asheville means you'll compete for jobs in a market where living costs have risen sharply, making your post-graduation salary important.
Dental support services and nursing programs deliver strong returns with median earnings above $53,000, easily justifying the debt load. Precision metal working also pays well at $44,189, reflecting strong regional demand for skilled trades. However, many other programs lead to earnings below $40,000, which creates financial stress when combined with Asheville's high cost of living.
The 32% graduation rate signals a significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying positions. This makes program choice and your commitment level critical factors in your financial outcome.
You'll find this school financially worthwhile if you're targeting healthcare or skilled trades and can complete your program efficiently. The relatively low debt burden helps, but only if your chosen field pays adequately for the region. Students drawn to lower-paying programs should seriously consider whether the investment makes sense given Asheville's living costs, or look at options in more affordable markets where modest salaries stretch further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College worth the cost?
For specific programs like dental support services and nursing, yes - these graduates earn $53,000-54,000 annually, well above the school's overall average of $36,048. However, with a 32% graduation rate and median debt of $15,528, many students don't complete their programs and still carry debt.
What programs at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College have the best ROI?
Dental support services ($54,153 earnings) and registered nursing ($53,951 earnings) offer the strongest returns. Precision metal working also pays well at $44,189, while general programs lag significantly behind these specialized tracks.
How much debt do Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $15,528, which is manageable for graduates in high-paying programs like nursing or dental support. However, students who don't graduate still face this debt burden with lower earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value, especially for students who accumulate debt without earning a credential.