At $5,525/yr net price, Central Virginia Community College graduates earn $36,627/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,627/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,525 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,627/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,627/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,329/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,305/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,821/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,184/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,438/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,500 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,194 | $6,178 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $10,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.3% of students at Central Virginia 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 Virginia Community College delivers solid financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other majors. At $5,525 per year, the low net price makes even modest earnings gains worthwhile, but you need to pick your program carefully.
Allied Health programs stand out with $45,500 median earnings, making them the clear financial winner at CVCC. These programs justify the investment and position graduates well in Virginia's healthcare job market. Mental and Social Health Services offer more modest returns at $25,194 but come with lower debt loads of $6,178.
Business Operations Support programs underperform significantly at $20,140 in median earnings, barely covering the opportunity cost of two years in school. Liberal Arts programs fare even worse at $18,771 with higher debt burdens of $10,000, creating a poor financial equation for transfer students who don't complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere.
The 41% graduation rate poses a major financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. This risk is particularly concerning for students in lower-earning majors where the margin for error is already thin.
CVCC works best financially if you're committed to healthcare careers and confident you'll graduate. The school's location in Lynchburg provides access to regional medical employers who hire CVCC graduates. Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or planning to transfer without completing your associate degree first. With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited, making program selection your primary cost management strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Virginia Community College worth the money?
At $5,525 per year, Central Virginia Community College offers decent value if you complete a degree, but the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The low median debt of $8,625 reduces financial risk compared to four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Central Virginia Community College?
Allied Health programs lead with $45,500 in average earnings, making them the clear winner for ROI. Mental Health Services pays $25,194, while Liberal Arts graduates earn just $18,771 annually.
How much debt will I have after Central Virginia Community College?
Graduates typically owe $8,625, which is manageable compared to four-year college debt. The low net price of $5,525 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Do Central Virginia Community College graduates make good money?
Overall graduate earnings of $36,627 are modest but reasonable for a two-year degree. Your program choice matters significantly, with Allied Health graduates earning nearly double what Liberal Arts graduates make.