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 gives you a low-cost path with modest overall payoff, and where you land depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The school-wide median earnings sit well below what a four-year degree typically returns, but your out-of-pocket cost is low and median debt runs about $10,500, so the risk of borrowing yourself into a hole is small.
The clearest win is Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. You come out earning near the top of the school's programs while carrying the lowest debt of any listed field. That combination beats nursing on ROI even though nursing pays well, because nursing graduates here carry nearly double the debt. Dental support and allied health diagnostic programs land you in the low-to-mid $40Ks with moderate debt, a decent but not spectacular return for an associate credential.
The real risk is the 38% graduation rate. If you enroll and don't finish, you pay the price and get none of the earnings tied to these programs. Any general or interdisciplinary track without a clear job attached leaves you exposed to the school-wide median, which is low.
Net price stays affordable across income levels. If your family earns under $30k, your yearly cost is around $4,265. even above $110k it tops out near $10,886. Low-income families get the strongest deal here, and no tier faces a punishing sticker price.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or health credential, plan to finish, and want to keep borrowing near zero. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a general degree with no career target, or if you want earnings that a four-year program in a higher-paying field can deliver.
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.