At $10,171/yr net price, Baton Rouge Community College graduates earn $34,581/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $581/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,171 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,581/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$581/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 70 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,450 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,219/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,271/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,345/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,678/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,093/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $89,490 | $10,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,402 | $16,712 |
| Construction Management. | Associate | $52,107 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $11,233 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,193 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,132 | $13,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,687 | $14,750 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,119 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 | $19,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
27.5% of students at Baton Rouge 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
Baton Rouge Community College delivers strong ROI for students who choose the right programs, but the overall financial picture shows concerning gaps. The school's low graduation rate of 27.5% means most students never complete their degrees, making the median earnings figure misleading for the majority who enroll.
Industrial Production Technologies stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $90,000 annually with minimal debt. The nursing programs also pay off well, with registered nursing graduates earning $59,402 despite higher debt loads. Construction Management and Allied Health programs provide solid middle-income returns that justify their costs in Louisiana's job market.
Your biggest risk at BRCC is not graduating. With three-quarters of students failing to complete their programs, you face losing time and money without credentials. The school works best for motivated students who can handle community college challenges independently and have clear career goals in high-demand technical fields.
BRCC makes financial sense if you're targeting industrial, healthcare, or construction careers where Louisiana employers value technical training over four-year degrees. The low net price of $10,171 keeps risk manageable even if you don't finish. However, students seeking general education or unsure about career direction should consider four-year schools with better completion rates and broader earning potential.
Financial aid reaches 57% of students, though the school offers limited merit scholarships. Your best cost strategy involves focusing on completion in one of the higher-earning technical programs where regional demand supports graduate employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baton Rouge Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $10,171 annually and graduates earning $34,581 ten years later, the return on investment is modest. The low graduation rate of 27.5% means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly affects the value proposition.
What are the best paying programs at Baton Rouge Community College?
Industrial Production Technologies leads with graduates earning $89,490, followed by Registered Nursing at $59,402. These technical programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the typical graduate outcome of $34,581.
How much debt do Baton Rouge Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,450, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with typical earnings of $34,581 after graduation, debt payments could still strain budgets for many graduates.
Does Baton Rouge Community College have good job placement rates?
The 27.5% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, which typically correlates with lower job placement success. Students in high-demand technical fields like industrial production and nursing have better prospects than the overall student body.