At $3,660/yr net price, Central Piedmont Community College graduates earn $37,865/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,865/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,660 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,640 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,865/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,865/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,925 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,550/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,969/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,912/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,760/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 | $55,594 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,273 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,106 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $49,227 | |
| Marketing. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $42,044 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $39,153 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,721 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
26.4% of students at Central Piedmont Community 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 Piedmont Community College delivers strong financial returns for health care and skilled trades programs, but weak outcomes for many other majors. At $3,660 annually with median debt under $8,000, the school keeps costs manageable even when programs underperform.
Nursing graduates earn $55,594 within ten years, making it the clear financial winner. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics also generate solid returns above $50,000. Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies offer another strong path at $49,227, reflecting Charlotte's logistics and manufacturing economy.
The 26% graduation rate presents a major financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving without credentials, wasting both time and money. This risk hits hardest in programs without clear career pathways or those requiring transfer to four-year schools.
Central Piedmont works best if you target high-earning programs and commit fully to completion. The nursing program particularly stands out given Charlotte's large health care sector. Skip programs without obvious career connections unless you plan to transfer immediately.
Financial aid reaches only 39% of students, suggesting many pay the full net price. Merit scholarships remain limited, so focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs. The low debt burden means even modest earnings can provide positive returns, but only if you actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Piedmont Community College worth the money?
Central Piedmont offers good value with low costs at $3,660 per year and manageable debt of $7,925. However, the 26% graduation rate is concerning, and general program earnings of $37,865 are modest compared to healthcare and automotive programs that pay significantly more.
What are the highest paying programs at Central Piedmont Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $55,594 average earnings, followed by dental support at $51,273 and allied health at $51,106. Vehicle maintenance pays $49,227, while marketing graduates earn $44,170.
How much debt do Central Piedmont Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $7,925, which is relatively low for college graduates. The low annual cost of $3,660 helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Central Piedmont Community College?
Only 26% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their programs or transfer successfully to four-year schools.