At $6,781/yr net price, Central Community College graduates earn $39,429/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,429/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,781 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,429/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,429/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,992 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,886/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,359/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,239/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,133/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,824/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 | $54,574 | $9,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,426 | $10,831 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,585 | $4,950 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,424 | $9,835 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,088 | $5,500 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $36,560 | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $35,954 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,847 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Central 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 Community College offers solid financial returns for Nebraska students seeking practical, career-focused training at rock-bottom prices. With annual costs under $7,000 and median debt below $8,000, you can graduate with minimal financial burden into a regional job market hungry for skilled workers.
The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $54,574 annually against just $9,000 in debt. Dental support services also pays well at $43,426, though debt climbs to nearly $11,000. Precision metalworking stands out as a debt-light path to middle-class earnings at under $5,000 borrowed.
The school's biggest financial risk is its 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students never finish. This creates real danger of accumulating debt without credentials. The low financial aid participation rate suggests most students pay out of pocket or through employer sponsorship.
Central Community College makes financial sense if you want hands-on technical training without university debt loads. The school works best for Nebraska residents who can commute and avoid housing costs. Students targeting healthcare or skilled trades will find strong earning potential relative to investment.
Avoid this school if you need significant financial aid or plan to transfer to a four-year university. The limited aid options and modest academic transfer pathways make it a poor fit for students seeking broad educational access or planning extended degree paths. Stick to the highest-paying programs or consider other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Community College worth the money?
Central Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,781 per year and manageable debt of around $8,000. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and median earnings of $39,429 ten years later are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Central Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $54,574 ten years out, followed by dental support services at $43,426. Precision metal working and drafting programs also pay well at around $39,000, while other health programs average $37,424.
How much debt do Central Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $7,992, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment compared to more expensive schools.
What is the graduation rate at Central Community College?
Only 44.8% of students graduate, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor when considering whether the school is worth attending.