At $7,561/yr net price, Bucks County Community College graduates earn $47,324/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,324/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,561 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,324/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,324/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,209/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,857/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,132/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,392/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,864/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 | $62,579 | $18,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $50,856 | $14,950 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | $10,169 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,708 | $10,807 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | $11,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $18,087 | $10,469 |
The Risk Factor
28.4% of students at Bucks County 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
Bucks County Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who pick the right programs. The $7,561 annual cost makes it one of the more affordable pathways to career training in Pennsylvania, though the 28% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to handle.
Healthcare programs dominate the earnings picture here. Registered nursing graduates earn $62,579 annually, making the $18,750 in typical debt manageable with a payback period under five years. Allied health diagnostic programs and practical nursing also deliver solid returns above $50,000. These programs align well with the Philadelphia metro area's large healthcare sector, where demand remains strong.
Business administration and criminal justice programs show weaker returns. Business graduates earn just $32,708 despite $10,807 in debt, while criminal justice yields $38,289. These programs may work if you plan to transfer to a four-year school, but the earnings alone don't justify the investment.
The school works best for Pennsylvania residents seeking healthcare credentials or technical training. With only 22% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price out of pocket. You should consider this school if you live locally, want healthcare training, and can commit to completing your program.
Skip Bucks County Community College if you need extensive student support services, want strong transfer pathways, or are considering the weaker-earning programs. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, making this a risky choice if you have academic challenges or need flexible scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bucks County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,561 per year and median debt of only $12,000, Bucks County Community College offers solid value for nursing and allied health programs that lead to $50,000+ salaries. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and some programs like business administration only lead to $32,708 median earnings.
What are the best paying programs at Bucks County Community College?
Registered nursing leads with $62,579 median earnings, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $52,107. Practical nursing also pays well at $50,856, while criminal justice ($38,289) and business administration ($32,708) offer lower returns.
How much debt do Bucks County Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. This low debt load helps make the ROI positive for most health-related programs, though students in lower-paying fields may still struggle to justify the cost.
What is the graduation rate at Bucks County Community College?
Only 28.4% of students graduate, meaning more than 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider seriously before enrolling.