At $8,755/yr net price, Blue Ridge Community College graduates earn $42,644/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,644/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,755 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,644/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,644/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,409 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,743/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,777/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,425/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,437/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 | $49,883 | $9,500 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $34,562 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,443 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,485 | $7,650 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Blue Ridge 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
Blue Ridge Community College delivers solid returns for specific career paths, though your financial outcome depends heavily on which program you choose. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating nearly $50,000 in median earnings with manageable debt levels of $9,500.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial case here. Nursing graduates earn 68% more than the overall median, while mental health and social services programs leave you earning just $29,685 annually. Ground transportation offers middle-ground earnings at $39,009 without requiring additional debt beyond the typical load.
The school's 34% graduation rate creates significant risk if you struggle with completion. You face the possibility of carrying debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. This completion challenge makes Blue Ridge most suitable if you have strong study habits or clear external motivation to finish.
Financial aid reaches only one-third of students, limiting your options for reducing the $8,755 annual cost. Merit scholarships are scarce at most community colleges, so expect to pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for need-based federal aid.
Blue Ridge works best financially if you target high-demand regional programs like nursing or skilled trades. The school serves you well if you need affordable training for specific careers rather than general education. Avoid this option if you plan to study lower-earning fields or lack confidence in completing your program within reasonable timeframes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Ridge Community College worth the money?
Blue Ridge Community College offers decent value for nursing students who can expect $49,883 annually after graduation. However, with a 33.7% graduation rate and $42,644 median earnings, the school struggles to deliver strong returns for most other programs.
What are the best paying programs at Blue Ridge Community College?
Registered nursing is the clear winner at Blue Ridge Community College, with graduates earning $49,883 annually. Ground transportation ($39,009) and veterinary tech ($34,562) also pay reasonably well, while criminal justice and mental health programs lag behind at around $30,000-34,000.
How much debt do Blue Ridge Community College students graduate with?
Blue Ridge Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,409, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $8,755 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Blue Ridge Community College and does it matter?
Only 33.7% of students graduate from Blue Ridge Community College, which is concerning for return on investment. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning credentials that boost their earning potential.