At $24,868/yr net price, Centra College graduates earn $60,122/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,122/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,868 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,122/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,122/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 100.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,291/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,521/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 | $53,454 | $15,250 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
100.0% of students at Centra College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Centra College delivers solid financial returns for a specialized nursing school, with graduates earning $60,122 ten years out while carrying manageable debt loads of $15,250. Your return on investment hinges entirely on which nursing track you choose.
The registered nursing program offers the strongest financial payoff at $53,454 annually, justifying the full debt load. However, the practical nursing track pays just $33,993 while still requiring $9,500 in loans, creating a weaker value proposition that may take years longer to pay off.
This school works best if you're committed to becoming an RN and want the security of a 100% graduation rate and perfect retention. The small size means personalized attention, but you're paying private school prices for what amounts to vocational training. With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited.
Skip Centra College if you're considering the practical nursing track, where community colleges offer similar training at much lower cost. Also avoid this school if you might change majors, since the curriculum focuses exclusively on nursing with no backup options.
The biggest financial risk is the narrow career focus. If nursing doesn't suit you or local healthcare jobs become scarce in central Virginia, you have few alternatives with this degree. For committed nursing students who can handle the full cost, the guaranteed graduation and strong RN earning potential make this a reasonable investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centra College worth the cost for nursing students?
Yes, for registered nursing programs where graduates earn around $53,000 annually with only $15,250 in median debt. The 100% graduation rate and focused nursing curriculum provide solid value for healthcare careers.
What is the return on investment for Centra College graduates?
Graduates earn $60,122 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt of $15,250. The ROI is strong primarily because it's a specialized nursing school with high completion rates and direct career pathways.
How much debt do Centra College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $15,250, which is well below the national average. This makes Centra College more affordable than most four-year institutions, especially given the guaranteed job market in nursing.
Are there better alternatives to Centra College for nursing education?
Centra College offers competitive value with its 100% graduation rate and low debt load. However, students interested in broader healthcare fields or higher nursing salaries might consider four-year BSN programs at larger universities.