At $8,502/yr net price, Atlantic Cape Community College graduates earn $34,241/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $241/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,502 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,241/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$241/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 141.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,613/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,914/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,990/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,595/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 | $58,673 | $15,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $28,236 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,578 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,455 | $8,800 |
The Risk Factor
24.9% of students at Atlantic Cape 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
Atlantic Cape Community College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $58,673 annually, nearly double the school's overall median of $34,241. This makes the $15,000 debt load for nursing majors reasonable given the earning potential in New Jersey's healthcare market.
Your financial prospects dim considerably in other programs. Criminal justice graduates earn just $22,578 yearly, while liberal arts majors average $19,455. These low earnings make even the modest debt burdens questionable investments. The culinary arts program falls somewhere between, with $28,236 in annual earnings against $11,000 in debt.
The school's 24.9% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a three-in-four chance of leaving without completing your program, potentially with debt but no credential. This low completion rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or life circumstances that interfere with finishing.
Atlantic Cape makes financial sense if you can secure a nursing program spot and have the academic preparation to complete it successfully. The healthcare job market in southern New Jersey supports these graduates well. For other programs, you should seriously consider whether the modest earnings justify any debt at all.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the $8,502 net price remains manageable for many families. However, this low sticker price can mask the real cost of not completing your program or graduating into a low-wage field. Your best strategy involves targeting the nursing program specifically or considering whether other regional options might offer better career preparation for your intended field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlantic Cape Community College worth the money?
Atlantic Cape Community College offers reasonable value for nursing students, who earn $58,673 after graduation, but other programs show poor returns. The low graduation rate of 25% means most students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Atlantic Cape Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Atlantic Cape Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $58,673 annually. Other programs like criminal justice ($22,578) and liberal arts ($19,455) offer limited earning potential relative to the time invested.
How much debt do Atlantic Cape Community College graduates have?
Atlantic Cape Community College graduates typically leave with $9,500 in debt, which is manageable for nursing graduates but represents a significant burden for those in lower-paying fields. The annual net price of $8,502 keeps total costs relatively low.
Do Atlantic Cape Community College graduates get good jobs?
Atlantic Cape Community College graduates earn $34,241 on average ten years after enrollment, which is below typical community college outcomes. Only nursing graduates see strong job prospects, while other program graduates face limited career advancement opportunities.