At $11,889/yr net price, Carteret Community College graduates earn $33,357/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,889 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,357/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-643/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,159/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,667/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,726/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 | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,500 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,498 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
41.5% of students at Carteret Community 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
Carteret Community College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but your major choice makes or breaks the financial outcome. The nursing program stands out with $50,856 median earnings, turning your $11,889 annual investment into solid career prospects in coastal North Carolina's healthcare market.
Your program selection creates a massive earnings gap at this school. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $45,500, while liberal arts graduates earn just $18,498 and cosmetology students face particularly tough financial prospects at $13,702. The 41% graduation rate means significant dropout risk, especially concerning given the relatively low cost.
The coastal location creates specific financial considerations. Healthcare jobs remain stable in this region, making nursing and allied health the clear winners. However, limited local opportunities for liberal arts graduates may force you to relocate, reducing your effective ROI. Tourism and fishing industries dominate the area but offer limited career advancement.
You should consider Carteret if you plan to enter nursing or allied health and want to stay in coastal North Carolina. The low net price makes it accessible even without significant financial aid. Skip this school if you're interested in liberal arts or cosmetology unless you have clear transfer plans to a four-year institution.
With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. The community college model keeps costs manageable, but the relatively high net price for a two-year school suggests room and board or living expenses drive up total costs. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carteret Community College worth the money?
Carteret Community College offers decent value if you pick the right program. Nursing graduates earn around $51,000 annually, which justifies the $12,000 yearly cost, but liberal arts graduates average only $18,500.
What are the best paying programs at Carteret Community College?
Nursing programs at Carteret Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning about $51,000 per year. Allied health programs also pay well at $45,500 annually, while cosmetology graduates earn just $13,700.
How much debt do Carteret Community College students graduate with?
At $11,889 per year, Carteret Community College costs less than most schools, but the 41% graduation rate means many students never finish their programs. Students who don't graduate often still carry debt without the credential to show for it.
Do Carteret Community College graduates get good jobs?
Job outcomes depend heavily on your major at Carteret Community College. Nursing and allied health graduates find stable work with decent pay, but liberal arts graduates earn below the national average at $18,500 annually.