At $17,271/yr net price, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences graduates earn $58,708/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,708/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,271 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,708/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,708/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,174/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,016/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,264/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,664/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,431/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. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $20,443 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,219 | $18,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,748 | $17,500 |
The Risk Factor
45.5% of students at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences 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
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers solid returns for nursing students but weaker prospects for other health programs. The nursing programs generate median earnings of $64,000 and $53,000 respectively, making the $17,271 annual net price manageable for most graduates. However, allied health and medical assisting programs produce earnings of just $37,748, creating a tight budget even with relatively low debt loads.
The school's 45% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students who start here never finish their degrees, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying healthcare jobs. This completion rate is particularly concerning given that health sciences programs typically require sequential coursework that becomes harder to resume after stopping out.
You should consider this school if you're committed to nursing and confident in your ability to complete the program. The Charlotte metro area's growing healthcare sector supports strong job placement for RN graduates. The low median debt of $16,000 also reduces financial pressure compared to other nursing schools.
Skip this school if you're interested in allied health programs, where the earning potential doesn't justify even modest educational costs. Also avoid it if you have any doubts about finishing your degree, given the high dropout rate. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, so merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy is completing the program quickly to minimize living expenses in the Charlotte area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabarrus College of Health Sciences worth the cost?
With a net price of $17,271 and graduates earning $58,708 after 10 years, Cabarrus College offers decent value for healthcare careers. However, the 45.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who drop out.
What programs at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $64,000, while Allied Health programs lag at $37,748. The college focuses heavily on healthcare fields, so students outside nursing may find fewer high-paying opportunities.
How much debt do Cabarrus College of Health Sciences graduates typically have?
The median debt is $16,000, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for graduates who complete their programs.
Does Cabarrus College of Health Sciences have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,271 suggests moderate financial aid availability. Students should carefully evaluate aid packages since the low graduation rate indicates many struggle to complete their programs despite the aid.