At $14,346/yr net price, Central Alabama Community College graduates earn $33,506/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,346 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,506/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-494/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,766 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,302/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,706/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,704/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,210/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,653/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 | $50,677 | $12,338 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,817 | $9,533 |
The Risk Factor
24.0% of students at Central Alabama Community 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
Central Alabama Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $33,506 ten years after enrollment barely justifying the $14,346 annual cost. The 24% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without completing their programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $50,677 annually against just $12,338 in debt. This program makes Central Alabama worthwhile if you can secure admission and complete the coursework. Liberal arts graduates face a harsh reality, earning only $15,817 annually with nearly $10,000 in debt, making this path financially destructive.
Your biggest risk at Central Alabama is not finishing. With completion rates this low, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The regional job market in east-central Alabama limits opportunities for most graduates outside healthcare.
Central Alabama makes financial sense if you plan to enter nursing and have strong academic preparation for the program's demands. The relatively low debt load for nursing graduates creates a manageable path to middle-class earnings. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts or lack clear career direction, as the combination of low completion rates and weak job prospects creates poor financial outcomes.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional scholarship opportunities. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and consider the school primarily as a stepping stone to nursing careers rather than a broad educational investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Alabama Community College worth the cost?
Central Alabama Community College offers mixed value depending on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $50,677 annually, making the $14,346 yearly cost worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average just $15,817, barely above the net price.
What are the best paying programs at Central Alabama Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Central Alabama Community College, with graduates earning $50,677 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs pay significantly less at $15,817, which may not justify the investment.
How much debt do Central Alabama Community College graduates have?
Central Alabama Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,766, which is manageable for nursing students but problematic for liberal arts graduates earning only $15,817 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Central Alabama Community College?
Only 24% of students graduate from Central Alabama Community College, meaning three out of four students leave without completing their program. This low completion rate represents a significant financial risk for prospective students.