At $5,920/yr net price, Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates earn $36,343/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,343/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,920 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,343/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,343/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,265/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,265/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,256/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,875/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,886/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $66,244 | $8,522 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,317 | $18,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $50,231 | $10,928 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,519 | $11,399 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,493 | $14,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,928 | $6,879 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,593 | $12,954 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,568 | $13,498 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,554 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Bluegrass Community and Technical 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
Bluegrass Community and Technical College delivers strong returns for specific career-focused programs despite a concerning 38% graduation rate. Your financial outcome depends heavily on which program you choose.
Heavy equipment maintenance stands out as the clear winner, generating $66,244 annually with just $8,522 in debt. This program capitalizes on Kentucky's industrial base and offers immediate job placement in high-demand trades. Nursing also provides solid returns at $51,317, though you'll carry higher debt at $18,500.
The school's $5,920 annual net price keeps debt manageable for most graduates, but the low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning credentials. This risk is particularly high for students lacking strong academic preparation or clear career direction.
Avoid general studies programs unless you plan to transfer to a four-year school. The multi-disciplinary studies program shows decent earnings, but this likely reflects students who completed specific concentrations rather than broad coursework.
You're a good fit for Bluegrass if you want hands-on training in healthcare or skilled trades, can commit to completing your program, and prefer staying in central Kentucky. The school works well for career changers and adults returning to education who need flexible scheduling and practical skills.
Look elsewhere if you're unsure about your career goals or need extensive academic support. The completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, making this a risky choice for those without clear direction. Students planning to transfer should verify credit acceptance at their target universities before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluegrass Community and Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,920 per year and median earnings of $36,343 after graduation, Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers decent value for specific programs. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Bluegrass Community and Technical College?
Heavy equipment maintenance pays the best at $66,244 annually, followed by nursing at $51,317. These technical programs offer strong returns on the relatively low tuition costs.
How much debt do Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is manageable for most graduates. With nursing and heavy equipment programs earning $50,000-66,000 annually, debt-to-income ratios remain reasonable for those who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Bluegrass Community and Technical College?
Only 38% of students graduate from Bluegrass Community and Technical College. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor, as students who don't finish still face debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs.