At $5,517/yr net price, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute graduates earn $34,515/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $515/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,517 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,515/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$515/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 42.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,700/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,543/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,613/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,407/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 | $50,717 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,928 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,138 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,982 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $19,045 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $17,595 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $11,434 |
The Risk Factor
39.8% of students at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute 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
Caldwell Community College offers strong financial returns for specific technical programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning over $50,000 annually against total costs under $12,000. Electromechanical instrumentation also provides solid returns at $47,260 in median earnings.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Nursing and technical maintenance fields justify the investment, while business administration graduates earn just $28,816 annually. The 40% graduation rate means significant dropout risk, particularly concerning given the low net price that should make completion easier.
Financial aid reaches only 29% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket or through minimal borrowing. The $8,750 median debt load remains manageable for nursing graduates but becomes problematic for lower-earning programs. Geographic location in western North Carolina limits job opportunities outside healthcare and manufacturing.
This school works financially if you enter a high-demand technical program and complete your degree. Nursing students face the best prospects given regional hospital demand. Avoid general business or liberal arts programs where earnings barely exceed what you could earn without college.
The low completion rate signals academic support challenges or student preparation issues. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, consider four-year options with stronger support systems. For focused students entering healthcare or technical fields, Caldwell provides excellent value in a region where these programs translate directly to local employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,517 per year and median debt of only $8,750, Caldwell Community College offers affordable education. However, graduates earn just $34,515 annually after 10 years, which limits long-term financial returns despite the low upfront cost.
What are the best paying programs at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Caldwell, with graduates earning around $50,717 annually. Electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technology also pays well at $47,260, while business programs lag significantly at $28,816.
How much debt do Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute graduates have?
Caldwell graduates carry a median debt of $8,750, which is relatively manageable for a college degree. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings of $34,515.
What is the graduation rate at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute?
Only 39.8% of students graduate from Caldwell Community College, meaning most students who enroll do not complete their programs. This low completion rate represents a significant risk for prospective students.