At $6,855/yr net price, Carl Albert State College graduates earn $34,117/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $117/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,855 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,117/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$117/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 234.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,362 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,351/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,502/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,624/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,921/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,733 | $10,875 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $22,329 | $7,642 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,388 | $8,324 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Certificate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Carl Albert State College 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
Carl Albert State College offers solid returns for health-focused students but weak outcomes for most other programs. At $6,855 annually, the college costs less than many four-year alternatives, but your major choice determines whether this translates to genuine value.
The nursing and allied health programs justify enrollment with median earnings above $52,000. These graduates earn nearly double the overall college median of $34,117, making the modest debt loads worthwhile. However, business administration graduates average just $20,388 despite similar costs, creating a poor risk-reward ratio.
The 41% graduation rate presents significant financial risk. If you struggle with self-directed learning or need extensive academic support, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This risk compounds for programs outside healthcare, where even successful graduates see limited earning potential.
You should consider Carl Albert if you plan to pursue nursing or allied health and want to avoid the higher costs of four-year programs. The school works well for students with clear healthcare career goals who can handle community college-level independence. Local employers likely recognize these specific credentials.
Skip this college if you want business, liberal arts, or exploratory programs. The low earnings in these areas combined with the graduation rate risk make four-year alternatives worth the extra cost. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, but no standout merit opportunities offset the fundamental program weaknesses.
Your financial success here depends entirely on choosing healthcare programs and completing your degree. Everything else represents poor value compared to regional four-year options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carl Albert State College worth the money?
Carl Albert State College offers strong value for healthcare programs, with nursing and allied health graduates earning $52,000-53,000 annually against low debt of around $9,362. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and non-healthcare programs show much lower earning potential.
What programs at Carl Albert State College have the best return on investment?
Allied health and nursing programs at Carl Albert State College deliver the strongest ROI, with graduates earning over $50,000 annually. Business and human development programs show significantly lower returns, with graduates earning around $18,000-20,000 per year.
How much debt do Carl Albert State College graduates typically have?
Carl Albert State College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,362, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The manageable debt load makes the school's healthcare programs particularly attractive financially.
What are the career earnings after graduating from Carl Albert State College?
Carl Albert State College graduates earn a median of $34,117 ten years after enrollment. However, this varies dramatically by program, with healthcare graduates earning $50,000+ while other fields average closer to $20,000.