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 keeps costs low, but the payoff depends almost entirely on what you study. At around $5,105 a year, this is one of the cheaper ways to earn a credential in eastern North Carolina. The problem is the median graduate earns about $32,519 a decade out, which is close to what many jobs in the region pay without a degree at all. That makes the average return modest at best.
Nursing is the clear exception. The registered nursing associate degree leads to roughly $48,935, about $16,000 more than the school-wide median and more than double what the liberal arts track produces. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, the math works strongly in your favor against the low tuition. Medical laboratory science and practical nursing both land near $32,925, decent but not spectacular. Business administration comes in under $28,000, and the general studies associate at around $21,052 is the weakest bet here financially.
The biggest risk is completion. Only about 36% of students graduate, so many pay tuition and leave without a credential to show for it. Low cost does not protect you if you never finish, and the general studies path in particular can turn into time and money spent with little earnings gain.
Net price barely moves across income levels, from roughly $4,595 for families under $30,000 to about $6,903 for families earning $75,000 to $110,000. Nobody here is paying a fortune, which lowers the downside of trying.
This school fits you if you are targeting nursing or a healthcare credential and plan to work locally. If you want a general associate degree with no specific career attached, the earnings data says look harder before you commit.
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.