At $5,105/yr net price, Beaufort County Community College graduates earn $32,519/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,105 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,519/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,481/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,595/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,500/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,058/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,903/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 | $48,935 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,874 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
36.3% of students at Beaufort County 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
Beaufort County Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for liberal arts majors. At $5,105 annually, the school costs less than most alternatives, making it financially accessible even with modest aid rates.
The nursing programs represent your best financial bet here. Registered nursing graduates earn $48,935 within ten years, nearly 2.5 times the school's overall median. Clinical lab science and practical nursing also hit $32,925, matching the school's general graduate earnings. These healthcare tracks align well with eastern North Carolina's medical facilities and aging population.
Liberal arts graduates face concerning earnings at just $21,052 after ten years, barely above the federal poverty line for a family of three. Business administration falls short too at $27,874, despite being a popular major. Your financial risk increases significantly if you choose these programs.
The 36% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely. This matters more at a community college where you need that credential to access better-paying jobs. Students who struggle with self-direction or lack clear career goals face higher dropout risk.
You should consider Beaufort County if you want affordable healthcare training and plan to work locally. The nursing shortage in rural North Carolina creates job security for graduates. Avoid this school if you need liberal arts courses as degree prerequisites, since transfer students often struggle with credit acceptance at four-year institutions.
With only 31% of students receiving aid, most pay the low sticker price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return, especially in the higher-earning healthcare fields where the job market remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort County Community College worth the cost?
At $5,105 per year with graduates earning $32,519 annually, Beaufort County Community College offers reasonable value for a two-year degree. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
Which programs at Beaufort County Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing graduates earn $48,935 annually, making it the strongest program financially. Clinical lab science and practical nursing also pay well at $32,925, while liberal arts graduates earn only $21,052.
What is the graduation rate at Beaufort County Community College and does it affect value?
Only 36% of students graduate from Beaufort County Community College. This low completion rate means most students pay tuition without earning a credential, making the investment risky despite the affordable cost.
How much debt do Beaufort County Community College graduates typically have?
With a net price of $5,105 per year, Beaufort County Community College students can complete their programs with minimal debt if they graduate in two years. The bigger financial risk comes from not graduating rather than excessive borrowing.