At $5,416/yr net price, Cape Fear Community College graduates earn $38,654/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,654/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,416 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,654/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,654/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,857/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,647/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,301/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,137/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,464/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $72,899 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,775 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,273 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,406 | |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Associate | $39,927 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $39,648 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,222 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,874 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Cape Fear 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
Cape Fear Community College delivers solid financial returns for technical and healthcare programs while offering minimal aid packages that keep most students debt-free. The school's $5,416 annual net price makes it accessible, though the 33.5% graduation rate creates completion risk for many students.
Precision Metal Working graduates earn $72,899 annually, making this program strong value in North Carolina's growing manufacturing sector. Nursing graduates at $53,775 and dental support services at $51,273 also provide strong returns that quickly justify the low cost. These technical programs align well with Wilmington's port economy and regional healthcare demand.
Your financial risk centers on completion rather than debt. With only 17.66% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay out-of-pocket but graduate with minimal debt. The median $9,500 debt load is manageable even for lower-earning graduates.
Cape Fear works best if you're career-focused and can handle the self-direction that community college requires. The school suits working adults, career changers targeting specific skills, and traditional students who know exactly what they want to study. Skip Cape Fear if you need heavy academic support or aren't sure about your career direction, since the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish.
Target the high-earning technical programs and treat this as job training rather than broad education. The combination of low cost, minimal debt, and strong earnings in specific fields makes Cape Fear a smart financial choice for the right student with clear career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cape Fear Community College worth the cost?
Cape Fear Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,416 per year and median debt of only $9,500. However, the 33.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $38,654 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year schools.
What are the highest paying programs at Cape Fear Community College?
Precision Metal Working leads with $72,899 average earnings, followed by nursing programs at $53,775. These technical and healthcare programs offer the best return on investment at Cape Fear Community College.
How much debt do Cape Fear Community College graduates have?
Cape Fear Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The combination of low tuition costs and two-year program length helps keep borrowing minimal.
What is the graduation rate at Cape Fear Community College?
Only 33.5% of students graduate from Cape Fear Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials and may still carry debt from their time enrolled.