At $10,097/yr net price, Cecil College graduates earn $43,952/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,952/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,097 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,952/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,952/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,536 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,923/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,172/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,666/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 | $63,817 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $33,281 |
The Risk Factor
27.9% of students at Cecil 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
Cecil College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $10,097 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but the 27.9% graduation rate means many students pay without completing their credential.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,817 annually against minimal debt loads. This program justifies the investment and aligns well with strong healthcare demand in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Business administration offers moderate returns at $47,260, providing decent value for the cost.
Liberal arts graduates face concerning financial prospects, earning just $33,281 annually. This salary barely justifies the time and money invested, especially given the low completion rates. You should have a clear transfer plan to a four-year institution if pursuing this path.
The biggest financial risk lies in the graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. This makes program selection and academic preparation critical for success.
Cecil College works best financially if you can complete a high-demand program like nursing or have strong academic habits that make graduation likely. The low cost makes it reasonable for career changers or working adults seeking specific skills. However, students struggling academically or those without clear career goals face significant financial risk given the completion rates.
Financial aid reaches only about a quarter of students, so most pay the full net price. The relatively low cost means merit scholarships may be limited, but the affordable price point reduces the need for extensive aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cecil College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Cecil College offers decent value with a net price of $10,097 per year and relatively low debt of $9,536. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Cecil College?
Nursing programs at Cecil College lead to the highest earnings at $63,817 annually, followed by business programs at $47,260. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $33,281, which barely covers the cost of attendance over time.
Do Cecil College graduates make enough money to justify the debt?
Most Cecil College graduates earn $43,952 ten years after graduation with median debt of $9,536, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. The low debt load makes this community college a safer financial choice than four-year institutions.
What is the biggest risk of attending Cecil College?
The main risk is the 28% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their programs. Students who do complete nursing or business programs typically see good returns, but completion is not guaranteed.