At $5,027/yr net price, Central Carolina Technical College graduates earn $32,603/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,027 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,603/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,397/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,977 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,394/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,789/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,922/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,300/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 | $50,995 | $10,660 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $36,141 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,461 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Data Processing. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,087 | $10,056 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at Central Carolina Technical 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 Carolina Technical College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs but shows concerning completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition. The $5,027 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable community college options in South Carolina, but the 31% graduation rate means most students leave without credentials.
The registered nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $51,000 annually with manageable debt loads around $10,660. This represents excellent ROI given the strong healthcare job market in the Sumter region. Multi-interdisciplinary studies graduates also perform well at $36,141 annually, though this broader program offers less clear career direction.
Several programs show weaker returns despite the low cost structure. Practical nursing graduates earn just $26,353 annually, while data processing completers make $25,194. These earnings barely justify even the modest debt loads when you factor in opportunity costs and the risk of non-completion.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With seven out of ten students failing to complete their programs, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This makes Central Carolina best suited for highly motivated students with clear career goals in nursing or skilled trades.
Financial aid reaches 44% of students, typical for community colleges. The school works well for local students who can live at home and target high-demand regional jobs in healthcare or manufacturing. If you lack strong academic preparation or clear career focus, consider other options with better support systems and completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Carolina Technical College worth the cost?
At $5,027 per year with median earnings of $32,603 after graduation, Central Carolina Technical College offers decent value for students who complete their programs. The low cost keeps debt manageable at under $10,000, but the 31% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Central Carolina Technical College?
Registered nursing graduates from Central Carolina Technical College earn around $51,000 annually, making it the best-paying program. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn $36,141, while precision metalworking pays $29,461.
How much debt do Central Carolina Technical College students graduate with?
Central Carolina Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $9,977, which is manageable given the low annual cost. However, students who don't graduate still face debt without the credential to boost earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Central Carolina Technical College?
Only 31% of students graduate from Central Carolina Technical College within normal timeframes. This low completion rate means most students don't finish their programs, limiting their return on investment despite the affordable tuition.