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 keeps costs low, and that carries most of the financial argument. You borrow a median of $8,750 to graduate, less than a single year's tuition at many four-year schools, and you pay it down against modest but real earnings. The catch is that median earnings sit near $34,500 ten years out, which is fine for the price you paid but not a ticket to a high income on its own.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing pays roughly $50,700, and the electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance track pays about $47,300 , both associate credentials that connect directly to the manufacturing and healthcare jobs around Hudson and the greater Hickory area. Those two programs alone earn far more than the business administration associate at around $28,800, which sits below the school's own median. If you enroll in business, medical assisting, or a general allied health track expecting the nursing-level payoff, the numbers do not support that.
The main risk is the 39.8% graduation rate. Six in ten starters do not finish on time, and the low debt and low price only pay off if you leave with the credential. Drop out and you carry cost with no earnings bump.
Net price barely moves across income bands. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $4,700. if you earn $75-110k you pay roughly $9,400. Even the top tier stays cheap by any standard, so this is an affordable option across the board.
This school fits you if you want nursing or the skilled-trades maintenance path and plan to finish. Look elsewhere if you want a high-earning business or general studies outcome, since those associate tracks here do not clear a strong return.
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.