At $4,907/yr net price, Ashland Community and Technical College graduates earn $34,504/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $504/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,907 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,504/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$504/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 38.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,950 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,879/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,372/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,316/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,200/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,878/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 | $50,995 | $15,238 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,178 | $11,180 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,594 | $6,732 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,993 | $4,865 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $29,685 | $10,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | $12,353 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,999 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,824 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
59.2% of students at Ashland Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ashland Community and Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with a low net price of under $5,000 annually making it accessible for most Kentucky families. Your biggest financial win comes from the registered nursing program, where graduates earn over $50,000 annually despite carrying higher debt loads around $15,200.
The physical science technologies program offers another strong path with $43,000 in median earnings and moderate debt. If you want lower debt exposure, practical nursing provides decent returns at $35,600 with just $6,700 in typical borrowing. The precision metal working program stands out for minimal debt of under $5,000 while still reaching $34,000 in earnings.
Your main financial risk centers on the 59% graduation rate, meaning two in five students leave without credentials. This matters more at a community college where you need that certificate or degree to access the better-paying technical jobs the school trains for. The regional job market in eastern Kentucky limits some opportunities, though healthcare and technical trades remain stable.
Ashland works best financially if you target the high-earning programs like nursing or physical sciences and can complete your program within the typical timeframe. With over 40% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is readily available. Avoid this school if you want broad four-year transfer options or access to high-growth metropolitan job markets.
The low sticker price means you can likely graduate with minimal debt if you choose carefully, making this a solid choice for practical career training without the financial burden of a four-year degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland Community and Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,907 annually and median debt of $10,950, Ashland Community and Technical College offers affordable access to career training. However, 10-year earnings average only $34,504, which means many graduates will struggle to see strong financial returns on their investment.
What are the best paying programs at Ashland Community and Technical College?
Nursing programs at Ashland Community and Technical College lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,000 annually. Physical science technology and allied health programs also show decent returns, while other programs typically result in below-average wages.
How much debt do Ashland Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt for Ashland Community and Technical College graduates is $10,950, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Given the low tuition costs, students who complete programs efficiently can minimize borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at Ashland Community and Technical College?
Ashland Community and Technical College has a 59% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students who enroll do not complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into any cost-benefit analysis of attending.