At $8,829/yr net price, Blue Ridge Community College graduates earn $36,324/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,324/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,829 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,324/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,324/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,084/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,462/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,336/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,832/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,138/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 | $49,855 | $15,603 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,596 | $11,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
37.7% 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 strong financial returns if you pick the right program, but your major choice makes or breaks the investment. The $8,829 annual cost keeps debt manageable, but low graduation rates create significant risk.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $49,855 annually against $15,603 in debt. This program offers genuine career mobility in North Carolina's healthcare sector. Business administration provides moderate returns at $26,353, while liberal arts and general studies lead to disappointing $20,596 earnings that barely justify even the low debt load.
Vehicle maintenance programs underperform at $18,771 annually, particularly concerning given the hands-on nature and equipment costs involved. You face better prospects learning these skills through apprenticeships or trade-specific schools.
The 37% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing programs, often carrying debt without credentials. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this school may not provide sufficient structure.
Blue Ridge works best if you have clear career goals in nursing or need affordable general education credits to transfer. The low net price makes it reasonable for exploring interests or completing prerequisites. However, students seeking complete student services or guaranteed program completion should consider four-year institutions despite higher costs.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low tuition outright. Merit scholarships appear limited, making this primarily a pay-as-you-go option for local students seeking specific vocational training or transfer preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Ridge Community College worth the money?
Blue Ridge Community College offers decent value at $8,829 per year, but graduates earn just $36,324 after 10 years. The nursing programs provide the best return, while general studies and humanities lead to below-average earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Blue Ridge Community College?
Only 38% of students graduate from Blue Ridge Community College. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a credential, which hurts the overall value proposition.
Which Blue Ridge Community College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing graduates from Blue Ridge Community College earn around $49,855, making it the clear winner for career outcomes. Business graduates earn $26,353, while liberal arts students make just $20,596.
How much student debt do Blue Ridge Community College graduates have?
Blue Ridge Community College graduates typically owe $12,000 in student loans. With post-graduation earnings of $36,324, this debt level is manageable for most programs except the lowest-paying majors.