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 gives you a low-risk financial bet, with a net price under $7,000 a year and median debt below $8,000. You are not taking on the kind of loan load that follows people for decades. The question is whether the earnings on the other side justify the two years, and the answer depends heavily on which program you pick.
Nursing is the clear winner here. An associate in registered nursing pays about $54,574, and even with $9,000 in debt, that debt-to-earnings ratio is easy to service. Dental support services and precision metal working also clear the school's overall $39,429 median, and precision metal working does it with only $4,950 in debt, making it the cheapest path to a solid wage on this list. Drafting and medical assisting sit right at or below the median, so they cover your costs but leave less room.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and a credential you don't earn still costs you tuition and time. The other risk is program choice: outside nursing and the skilled trades, earnings drop fast, and a two-year degree that lands you near $37,000 in central Nebraska is a modest return, not a strong one.
This school fits you if you want a specific vocational credential, especially in health care or metalworking, and you can commit to finishing. If your family earns under $48,000, your net price drops toward $5,000, which makes the math even safer. If you earn over $75,000, you'll pay around $10,000 a year and get less discount. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or a field not on this program list, since there's no bachelor-level earnings data here to bank on.
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.