At $4,176/yr net price, Bishop State Community College graduates earn $29,916/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,176 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,916/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,084/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,902/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,974/yr |
| $110,001+ | $970/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 | $51,857 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,105 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,594 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $32,658 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,113 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,710 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $20,824 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $15,090 |
The Risk Factor
23.2% of students at Bishop State 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
Bishop State Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career paths, but your program choice determines everything. The nursing programs stand out with registered nursing graduates earning over $51,000 annually, making the low annual cost of $4,176 an strong investment for healthcare careers.
Allied health and medical assisting programs also perform well at $50,105 in median earnings, while practical nursing provides solid middle-income potential at $35,594. These healthcare tracks capitalize on Mobile's medical sector demand and justify the investment even with the college's 23% graduation rate.
Ground transportation programs offer modest returns at $32,658, reflecting regional logistics and shipping opportunities around Mobile's port economy. However, health administration graduates earn just $23,113, barely above the overall median of $29,916, making this a weaker financial choice.
The biggest risk lies in the low graduation rate, which means many students pay costs without earning credentials. You need strong academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here. The college works best for motivated students targeting specific healthcare careers where licensing requirements create job security.
Financial aid reaches 42% of students, and the low sticker price means most students avoid heavy debt loads. This makes Bishop State ideal for career changers, working adults, or students who struggled in traditional academic settings but have clear healthcare career goals. If you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside healthcare, look elsewhere for better financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bishop State Community College worth the money?
Bishop State Community College costs $4,176 per year and graduates earn $29,916 ten years later, making it affordable but with below-average earnings. The school's 23% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Bishop State Community College?
Nursing programs at Bishop State Community College offer the strongest financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,857 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $50,105, while other programs like health administration pay significantly less at $23,113.
How much debt do Bishop State Community College students have?
With a net price of $4,176 per year, Bishop State Community College is relatively affordable for a two-year program. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Bishop State Community College have good job placement?
Bishop State Community College graduates earn $29,916 after ten years, which is modest compared to other colleges. The nursing programs show much stronger earnings potential, but overall job outcomes vary significantly by program choice.