At $6,235/yr net price, Bristol Community College graduates earn $38,663/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,663/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,235 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,663/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,663/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,243 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,439/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,802/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,692/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,268/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,574/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 | $62,012 | $9,598 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,721 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $38,289 | $4,433 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $32,711 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 | $7,700 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
20.7% of students at Bristol 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
Bristol Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare and technical programs but poor outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $62,012 annually against modest debt of $9,598, making it one of the strongest community college ROI propositions in Massachusetts. Dental support services and engineering technology also produce graduates who earn well above the regional average.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 20% graduation rate. Four out of five students leave without completing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This makes program choice critical - nursing and technical fields have better completion rates and job placement than general studies or liberal arts tracks.
The low net price of $6,235 annually works in your favor if you finish quickly. Healthcare programs justify the investment with starting salaries that quickly pay off the typical $8,243 debt load. Computer science graduates earn $38,289 with even lower debt of $4,433, creating another viable path.
Bristol makes financial sense if you have clear career goals in nursing, dental support, or technical fields and can commit to finishing your program. The school serves the Fall River job market well, with local healthcare systems and manufacturers hiring graduates. Skip Bristol if you need a traditional college experience or lack specific career direction - the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to find their path here. Transfer-focused students should consider whether Massachusetts state universities offer better support systems for similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol Community College worth the money?
Bristol Community College offers decent value for students who complete nursing or dental programs, where graduates earn $55,000-$62,000 annually. However, the 20.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and most other programs lead to earnings under $40,000.
What are the best paying programs at Bristol Community College?
Nursing programs at Bristol Community College have the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $62,000 per year. Dental support services ($55,500) and engineering technology ($46,000) also provide solid returns on the relatively low cost of attendance.
How much debt do Bristol Community College graduates have?
Bristol Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,243, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $6,235 helps keep debt levels reasonable for students who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Bristol Community College?
Only 20.7% of students graduate from Bristol Community College within the standard timeframe. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.