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 keeps costs low and debt lower, which is what makes the math work here. You pay $8,755 a year and leave with a median debt near $10,000, so even at median earnings of about $43,000 you are not digging out of a deep hole. The risk is finishing at all: only a third of students graduate, and a two-year credential you never complete leaves you with the cost and none of the payoff.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pays close to $50,000 against roughly $9,500 in debt, which is one of the best returns you will find at any community college. If you can get into and finish that program, this is a strong financial bet.
The other programs are weaker. Veterinary technology and criminal justice both land in the mid-$30,000s, and the mental and social health services certificate sits under $30,000. Those wages clear the low debt, but they do not build much of a cushion, and the veterinary and social-services fields tend to stay tight on pay long after graduation.
Your price barely moves with income at the bottom. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $7,400. between $30,000 and $75,000 you pay close to the sticker price. Above $75,000 the price climbs to $11,425, and over $110,000 it hits $15,437, so higher-income families lose most of the discount.
This is a good fit if you want nursing or a cheap, low-debt path into a four-year transfer. Look elsewhere if you are set on the veterinary or social-services tracks and expect those associate degrees alone to carry you financially.
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.