At $8,785/yr net price, Brunswick Community College graduates earn $36,668/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,668/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,785 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,668/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,668/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,848/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,678/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,712/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 | $58,673 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,420 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $19,045 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
46.3% of students at Brunswick Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Brunswick Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but struggles financially for those pursuing general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $58,673 annually, making the $8,785 yearly cost easily recoverable within two years of graduation.
Your program choice determines everything at Brunswick. Registered nursing graduates earn nearly three times more than those in liberal arts, while practical nursing still provides decent returns at $35,420. However, liberal arts graduates earning just $21,052 face a challenging payback period that may not justify even this low-cost education.
The 46% graduation rate creates significant risk. You could invest time and money without completing your program, leaving you with debt but no credential. This risk is particularly concerning given that only 32% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay the full net price.
Brunswick works best for students committed to healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands. The nursing programs offer clear paths to middle-class incomes in coastal North Carolina's healthcare market. If you're considering liberal arts or education, the financial returns simply don't support the investment, even at community college prices.
Your best strategy involves focusing on completion. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, so choose a program that matches your academic strengths. Healthcare programs require rigorous coursework but offer the strongest financial outcomes. General studies students should consider transferring to a four-year school quickly to improve their earning potential, as the associate degree alone provides minimal financial benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunswick Community College worth the money?
Brunswick Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,785 per year, but graduates earn only $36,668 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide the best return on investment, while general studies and education programs lead to below-average earnings.
What are the highest paying programs at Brunswick Community College?
Registered nursing graduates from Brunswick Community College earn around $58,673 annually, making it the school's most profitable program. Practical nursing pays $35,420, while liberal arts graduates earn just $21,052.
What is the graduation rate at Brunswick Community College?
Brunswick Community College has a 46% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This creates additional financial risk since non-graduates still carry debt but miss out on the credential needed for better-paying jobs.
Should I avoid certain programs at Brunswick Community College?
Teacher education and liberal arts programs at Brunswick Community College lead to earnings below $22,000 annually, which may not justify even the low tuition cost. Focus on nursing or health administration programs for better financial outcomes.