At $4,443/yr net price, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College graduates earn $39,293/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,293/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,443 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,293/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,293/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,074/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,544/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,024/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,131/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,747/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 | $58,823 | $18,850 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $37,779 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,771 | $13,479 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | $14,250 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $30,366 | $13,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,669 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,456 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.0% of students at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with a low net price of $4,443 annually making it accessible even if graduation rates lag at 41 percent.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $58,823 annually despite carrying $18,850 in debt. The program justifies its higher borrowing costs with earnings that nearly double the school median. Computer and Information Sciences graduates also perform well at $37,779 with no reported debt burden.
Business Administration and Allied Health programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning around $30,771 while carrying $13,000-14,000 in debt. These earnings barely exceed what you might achieve with a high school diploma in many markets, making the investment questionable unless you specifically need the credential.
The biggest financial risk at Blue Ridge is the low graduation rate. With six out of ten students failing to complete their programs, your success depends heavily on your ability to stay enrolled and finish. The school works best for career changers seeking nursing credentials or technical skills in computer fields where employers value the specific training.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional college experience. Blue Ridge makes financial sense primarily for disciplined students who know exactly what career path they want and can complete their program efficiently. The low cost reduces financial risk, but only if you actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Ridge Community and Technical College worth the cost?
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,443 per year and median debt of only $13,000. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $39,293 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College?
Nursing programs at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College lead to the highest earnings at $58,823 after 10 years. Computer and information sciences graduates earn $37,779, while business and allied health programs typically result in earnings around $30,000.
How much debt do Blue Ridge Community and Technical College graduates have?
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College graduates have a median debt of $13,000, which is relatively low for higher education. The low annual cost of $4,443 helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College?
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has a 41% graduation rate, meaning nearly 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the return on investment.