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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends almost entirely on your program. At $3,660 a year and median debt under $8,000, your downside risk is small in dollar terms. The problem is the median outcome: ten years out, typical earnings sit below $38,000, and only about a quarter of students finish. That gap between low cost and modest returns defines the school.
The health and skilled-trade tracks are where the money is. Registered Nursing pays roughly $55,600, dental support around $51,300, and allied health diagnostics just over $51,000. Vehicle maintenance and repair clears $49,000. These are associate-level credentials tied directly to Charlotte's hospital systems and service economy, and they run more than $17,000 above the school-wide median. Marketing, at about $44,000, is the weakest of the top five and the softest bet if you want a clear career line.
The biggest risk here is the 26 percent graduation rate. Your debt stays low only if you finish and land in one of the paying programs. Start a nursing or dental track, drop out, and you carry loans without the credential that justifies them. Enroll in a general or transfer program with no clear destination, and you may end up near that $38,000 median.
Net price barely moves with income, running between roughly $3,550 and $5,760 across every bracket. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about the same as a family near $110,000, so there is no steep aid cushion at the bottom. Budget for the full sticker either way.
Come here if you want a nursing, dental, allied health, or auto credential and you intend to finish. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level career or a broad academic path with no specific program in mind.
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.