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 gives you a low-cost entry into the workforce, but the payoff depends almost entirely on what you study. The overall median earnings a decade out sit near what many jobs pay without a degree, so the school's value is not in the average graduate , it's in a handful of specific programs.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The associate degree in registered nursing leads every program at Ashland and carries earnings roughly $16,000 above the school-wide median. Physical science technology follows, and the certificate paths in allied health, practical nursing, and precision metal working all land you above the typical graduate. Precision metal working stands out because you leave with the lowest debt of any listed program and still out-earn the median. If none of these fields interest you, the financial case for Ashland weakens fast, because the school reports no bachelor-level program earnings to fall back on.
The main risk is picking a program outside these five. General enrollment produces the low median earnings figure, and a 59% graduation rate means a real share of you leave without a credential to show for the money and time. Even at Ashland's prices, dropping out is the worst financial outcome.
On cost, families earning under $48k pay the least, and the net price stays reasonable at every income tier. If your family earns over $110k, you'll pay more than double the lowest tier, which changes the math on whether a two-year credential here beats other options.
Ashland fits you if you want nursing or a skilled trade and plan to finish. If you want a broad academic path or a bachelor's-track major, look elsewhere or treat this as a low-cost transfer step only.
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.