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 is a gamble at the school-wide level and a clear win in a few specific programs. The typical graduate earns $36,025 a year a decade after enrolling, and a 12.5% graduation rate means most people who start here don't finish. That combination is the core financial risk: you pay a net price near $9,800 a year, and the odds you walk away with a credential are low.
Your major decides everything here. The associate nursing program leads at $65,486, nearly double the general studies track at $33,459. Dental support ($55,512) and medical assisting ($51,690) also clear $50,000 and tie directly to Baltimore's large hospital and clinic base. These are the reasons to enroll. The Allied Health Diagnostic associate ($35,416) and Liberal Arts ($33,459) pay barely more than the school's overall median, so treat Liberal Arts as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns $30,000 to $48,000, you pay the least at $7,964. But the $48,000-$75,000 band actually pays the most at $10,878, more than families under $30,000 pay. If you sit in that middle-income range, run your own aid numbers before assuming you get a discount.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing, dental, or medical assisting and you can commit to finishing. Enter here for those clinical programs, price them against the salaries above, and you can come out ahead on a modest tuition bill. Look elsewhere if you're undecided or want a general associate degree with no transfer plan, because the low graduation rate and sub-$34,000 general-studies earnings make that path a poor bet.
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.