At $7,858/yr net price, Bladen Community College graduates earn $30,591/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,858 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,591/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,409/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,688/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,823/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,110/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 | $56,234 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,382 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $22,766 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
31.0% of students at Bladen 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
Bladen Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $30,591 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 31% graduation rate. Only registered nursing graduates earn a salary that justifies the investment, bringing home $56,234 annually.
The nursing program stands out as your best bet financially at Bladen, offering earnings nearly double the school median. Practical nursing also provides decent returns at $32,382, though still modest for healthcare. Every other major leaves you earning $22,766 or less, which barely covers living expenses in most areas. Liberal arts and business graduates particularly struggle, earning just $20,140 despite completing their programs.
Your biggest financial risk at Bladen is the graduation rate. With only 3 in 10 students completing their programs, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The school serves a rural North Carolina region with limited high-paying job opportunities, which explains the weak earnings across most fields.
Bladen works financially if you plan to enter nursing and can stick with the program through completion. The low net price of $7,858 makes it accessible, and 67% of students receive financial aid. However, if you want any career path besides nursing, look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and weak regional job prospects makes this a risky investment for most students. You would likely see better returns at a four-year university or a community college in a stronger job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bladen Community College worth the money?
Bladen Community College offers decent value for nursing programs, with registered nursing graduates earning $56,234 annually. However, the 31% graduation rate is low, and most other programs lead to earnings around $20,000-$23,000, which may not justify even the $7,858 annual cost for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Bladen Community College?
Registered nursing is the clear winner at Bladen Community College, with graduates earning $56,234 per year. Practical nursing follows at $32,382, while other programs like business and liberal arts typically lead to much lower earnings around $20,000.
How much debt do Bladen Community College students typically have?
With a net price of $7,858 per year, Bladen Community College students face relatively low costs compared to four-year schools. However, the 31% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Do Bladen Community College graduates get good jobs?
Bladen Community College nursing graduates do well, but graduates in other fields typically earn just $20,000-$23,000 annually. The overall 10-year earnings average of $30,591 is pulled up by the nursing programs, while most other graduates face limited earning potential.