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 gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns about $36,000 ten years out, which is modest, and only about a third of students finish. Those two numbers set the baseline: this school pays off if you land in the right program and actually graduate, and it can leave you with debt and no credential if you don't.
The health and skilled-trade programs are where your money works. Dental support and registered nursing both clear $53,000, roughly $18,000 above the school-wide median. Precision metal working pays around $44,000, and it does so without the debt load nursing carries ($18,176). Allied health diagnostic and treatment sits lower at $42,000 but comes with the heaviest borrowing on the list at $20,000, so weigh that gap carefully. Agricultural and food products processing at $38,289 barely beats the median and makes the least financial sense here.
The main risk at A-B Tech is the graduation rate. Two out of three students don't finish, and if you borrow the median $15,528 and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings bump the nursing or dental tracks provide.
The net price tiers are unusual: you pay roughly the same no matter your family income, between $12,400 and $14,200. Lower-income families see no meaningful discount here, so if you're coming from a household under $30,000, you're paying about $12,472, nearly the same as a family earning over $110,000.
This school fits you if you enroll in nursing, dental, or metalworking and commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to the lower-earning tracks or unsure you'll complete the program.
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.