At $10,075/yr net price, Central Ohio Technical College graduates earn $39,168/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,168/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,075 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,168/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,168/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,072 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,299/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,326/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,080/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,344/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,577/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 | $53,699 | $12,454 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,435 | $13,716 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $8,982 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,670 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,926 | $16,474 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $24,615 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $24,035 | $13,800 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
24.2% of students at Central Ohio 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 Ohio Technical College offers weak financial returns for most students, with a median graduate earning just $39,168 ten years after enrollment despite the school's extremely low 24% graduation rate.
Nursing programs provide the clearest path to positive ROI at COTC. Registered nursing graduates earn $53,699 annually with manageable debt of $12,454, making this the school's standout financial winner. Allied health diagnostics also delivers solid returns at $45,435 yearly earnings. These healthcare programs justify the investment for students who complete them.
Most other programs fall short financially. Criminal justice graduates earn $35,594, while computer programming majors make just $33,281 despite strong regional demand for tech workers. These earnings barely exceed what you could make without a degree in central Ohio's job market.
The 24% graduation rate creates massive financial risk. Three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The low median debt of $12,072 reflects this reality, as many students drop out before accumulating larger balances.
COTC works financially only if you enter nursing or allied health programs and actually graduate. The school's low aid percentage of 26% means most students pay closer to the full net price of $10,075 annually. Students interested in criminal justice, computer programming, or general studies should consider four-year universities or community colleges with stronger completion rates and better connections to regional employers.
If you're set on attending COTC, focus exclusively on nursing programs and have a solid backup plan if you struggle academically early on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Ohio Technical College worth the cost?
Central Ohio Technical College offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning $53,699 annually against relatively low debt of $12,072. However, the 24% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Central Ohio Technical College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Central Ohio Technical College, with graduates earning $53,699 per year. Allied health programs also pay well at $45,435, while criminal justice and computer programming lag behind at around $33,000-$35,000.
How much debt will I have after Central Ohio Technical College?
Central Ohio Technical College graduates typically leave with $12,072 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $10,075 helps keep borrowing reasonable, especially for students who complete their programs.
Why is Central Ohio Technical College's graduation rate so low?
Only 24% of students graduate from Central Ohio Technical College, which is concerning for any investment. This low completion rate means many students pay for credits but never earn the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs.