At $616/yr net price, Central Carolina Community College graduates earn $33,525/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $616 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $2,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,525/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-475/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $279/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $573/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,048/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $2,349/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 | $56,234 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,382 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $27,874 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $23,649 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,262 |
The Risk Factor
41.3% of students at Central Carolina 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
Central Carolina Community College delivers strong value with a net price of just $616 per year and median graduate earnings of $33,525, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among community colleges nationwide.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,234 annually, nearly triple the median for all graduates. Electrical engineering technology also pays well at $46,673, reflecting strong demand in North Carolina's manufacturing sector. These technical programs justify the investment many times over.
The lower-paying programs tell a different story. Practical nursing, accounting, and allied health graduates earn around $30,000-$33,000, which still provides solid returns given the minimal upfront cost. However, you should research specific job prospects in the Sanford area before committing to these fields.
The main financial risk is the 41% graduation rate. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, you might not finish your program despite the low cost. Community colleges require strong time management skills, especially if you work while studying.
This school works best for career changers seeking specific technical skills, recent high school graduates wanting affordable credentials, or working adults pursuing nursing or engineering technology. The low net price makes it accessible even without significant financial aid, though only 25% of students receive aid packages.
Avoid Central Carolina if you need a traditional college experience or plan to transfer to a four-year university immediately. The school serves students who want job-ready skills at minimal cost, not those seeking broad academic exploration or extensive campus amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Carolina Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of just $616 per year, Central Carolina Community College offers strong value for students who complete programs. The low cost makes it one of the most affordable pathways to career training, though only 41% of students graduate.
What programs at Central Carolina Community College have the best ROI?
The Registered Nursing program leads with graduates earning $56,234 annually, followed by Electrical Engineering Technology at $46,673. These technical and healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $33,525.
How much debt do Central Carolina Community College graduates have?
The extremely low net price of $616 per year means most students can avoid significant debt. This makes Central Carolina Community College a low-risk option even for programs with modest earning potential.
Do Central Carolina Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduate outcomes vary widely by program at Central Carolina Community College. Nursing and electrical technology graduates do well, but other programs like Allied Health lead to earnings around $30,000, which may not provide strong career advancement.