At $9,769/yr net price, Baltimore City Community College graduates earn $36,025/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,025/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,769 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,076 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,025/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,025/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 12.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,853/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,964/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $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 | $65,486 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,690 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $33,459 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
12.5% of students at Baltimore City 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
Baltimore City Community College offers weak overall financial returns, with graduates earning a median of just $36,025 ten years after enrollment despite a nearly $10,000 annual price tag. The school's 12.5% graduation rate creates additional financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Healthcare programs provide the clearest path to positive ROI at this school. Nursing graduates earn $65,486 annually, making the program financially viable even with the low completion rates. Dental support services and medical assisting also deliver strong returns at $55,512 and $51,690 respectively. These specialized healthcare tracks justify the investment if you can successfully complete them.
Liberal arts and general studies programs show poor financial outcomes, with graduates earning $33,459 annually. Given the school's net price, these programs offer minimal return on investment and may leave you financially worse off than entering the workforce directly.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to pursue nursing or dental support services and have strong academic preparation to overcome the low graduation rates. The healthcare job market in Baltimore supports these career paths with solid demand.
You should look elsewhere if you want a liberal arts education or lack clear career focus. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings for general programs creates significant financial risk. Consider this school only as a stepping stone to healthcare careers where the earning potential justifies the investment and completion challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore City Community College worth the cost?
With a 12.5% graduation rate and average earnings of $36,025 ten years after enrollment, Baltimore City Community College offers questionable value for most students. The low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their programs.
What programs at Baltimore City Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Baltimore City Community College lead to the highest earnings at $65,486 annually, followed by dental support services at $55,512. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $33,459, barely above the overall average.
How much debt do Baltimore City Community College students typically have?
At $9,769 per year, Baltimore City Community College costs less than many alternatives, but the extremely low graduation rate means many students may accumulate costs without completing their degrees. Students should have backup plans if they struggle academically.
Should I choose Baltimore City Community College over other Maryland community colleges?
Baltimore City Community College's 12.5% graduation rate is concerning compared to other community colleges in Maryland. Unless you're entering a high-paying program like nursing, consider schools with better completion rates and student support.