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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hangs almost entirely on which program you pick. At $8,785 a year, the cost is low for a public two-year school, but the median earnings ten years out sit at $36,668, which is modest. The gap between programs here is wide enough that the school-wide median tells you very little about your own outcome.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pays more than $58,000, which is over three times what the teacher education associate returns. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, this school pays off fast against its low price. The practical nursing certificate lands lower but still clears the school median.
The rest of the lineup is where the math turns against you. Health and medical administrative services, liberal arts, and teacher education all pay under $29,000, and the teacher education associate at roughly $19,000 barely moves you past a high school wage. Picking one of these means you are paying real tuition for a credential that does little for your earnings. The 46% graduation rate is a second risk: if you borrow and leave without finishing, you carry debt and none of the payoff.
The net price barely changes across income tiers, sitting near $8,700 whether your family earns under $30,000 or up to $75,000. Lower-income families get almost no additional break here, so plan for close to the full sticker price regardless of income.
This school fits you if you are aiming at nursing and can commit to finishing. If you are drawn to the liberal arts or teacher education tracks, treat this as a transfer step toward a bachelor's degree, because the associate-level earnings alone will not justify the cost.
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.