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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest returns. You'll pay $5,525 a year and carry median debt under $9,000, but median earnings ten years out sit at $36,627. That debt-to-earnings ratio is safe, and the low price limits your downside. The trade-off is that the typical CVCC credential doesn't move you far up the pay scale.
Program choice decides everything here. The Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment associate degree pays $45,500, more than double what the general Liberal Arts and Sciences associate returns. That Liberal Arts path pays under $19,000 and leaves you with $10,000 in debt, the highest debt figure on the list for the lowest earnings. If you enroll in that program as a terminal degree, the math works against you. it makes sense mainly as a transfer step toward a four-year school. Business Operations Support lands near the bottom too, around $20,000.
The main risk is the 41% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you carry cost without the credential that justifies it. Pick a career-focused program like allied health and complete it, and the return holds up.
The net price tiers stay affordable across incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $4,329. over $110,000, you pay $11,438. Even the top tier is cheap compared to most four-year options.
This school fits you if you want a specific job credential, especially in health fields, or a low-cost transfer launch toward a bachelor's degree. If you plan to stop at a general studies associate and enter the workforce directly, the earnings here don't support that plan, and you should target a program with clearer job outcomes.
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.