Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,624/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 100.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,337 |
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 | $54,140 | $16,088 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,007 |
The Risk Factor
100.0% of students at Carolinas College of Health Sciences graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Carolinas College of Health Sciences gives you a strong, low-risk financial return, driven by one thing: it trains you for healthcare jobs that Charlotte hospitals actually hire for. You graduate with a median debt around $15,000 and earn roughly $65,000 a year within a decade. That debt-to-earnings ratio is about as safe as it gets, and the 100% graduation rate means you finish what you start.
The payoff here comes from the school's tight focus on nursing and allied health credentials that plug directly into the Charlotte-area hospital system. There's no risk of drifting into a low-paying general major, because the programs exist to feed regional clinical demand. Your earnings track closely with what these healthcare roles pay in the region, and that market is stable.
The main financial risk is narrow: this school works only if you want a healthcare career. The curriculum is built around clinical work, so you're committing to that path from day one. If you leave the field or can't complete the clinical requirements, the degree loses much of its value, since it doesn't transfer to unrelated work the way a broader degree might.
This is a good fit for you if you're set on nursing or allied health and want to keep debt low while landing a job near Charlotte. Look elsewhere if you're undecided about your career or want a general bachelor's degree with wide options.
On net price by income: lower-income families should compare the tiered net price carefully, since only about one in six students here receive Pell Grants, and many others carry loans and other grants. Check exactly what your income bracket pays before assuming the sticker price. Even at higher net prices, the low median debt suggests most families here manage the cost without heavy borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carolinas College of Health Sciences worth the cost?
For nursing students, yes - graduates earn $64,624 after 10 years with only $15,337 in median debt. The 100% graduation rate and focus on high-demand healthcare careers make it a solid investment for most students.
What programs at Carolinas College of Health Sciences have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $54,140. Allied health programs pay less at $41,007, but the low debt burden still makes them worthwhile for students entering healthcare.
How much debt do Carolinas College of Health Sciences graduates have?
The median debt is $15,337, which is well below the national average. This low debt load combined with steady healthcare job prospects makes the financial risk manageable for most graduates.
Do Carolinas College of Health Sciences graduates get jobs after graduation?
The 100% graduation rate suggests strong student support, and healthcare jobs in Charlotte are plentiful. However, some allied health positions start at lower salaries that may require careful budgeting in early career years.