At $26,254/yr net price, Centura College-Chesapeake graduates earn $25,930/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,254 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,930/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,070/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,225/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,800/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,016/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,162/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,162/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,228 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $23,803 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,094 | $23,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,679 | $9,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,019 | $22,000 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $17,916 | $21,830 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $15,922 | $7,521 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $14,935 |
The Risk Factor
66.7% of students at Centura College-Chesapeake graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Centura College-Chesapeake fails a basic financial test: you pay $26,254 a year and earn $25,930 a year a decade after enrolling. Your annual cost of attendance is higher than what a typical graduate earns per year later on. That gap is the whole story, and it points the wrong way.
The one bachelor's program with reported earnings, Business Administration, brings in $30,228 a year. That is the best-paying option here, and it still sits barely above minimum-wage territory in the Chesapeake and Hampton Roads job market. If Business Administration is the ceiling, there is no major on this list that turns this price into a clear win.
The debt figure is the one bright spot. Median debt of $14,750 is low, so you likely will not leave buried under loans. But low debt paired with low earnings is not the same as a good deal. It means the money is going in as net price you or your family cover up front, and the earnings on the other side do not repay that cost quickly.
The net price tiers work backward from what you would expect. If your family earns under $48k, you pay less, around $24,800 to $25,225. If you earn over $110k, you pay $32,162. But even the discounted bottom-tier price buys you a degree that pays $25,930. No income group here gets a return that justifies the spend.
This school makes financial sense only if it is close to free for you through outside aid, or if a specific local employer will hire you directly off this credential. If you are paying anything near the listed net price, look at Virginia's community colleges or public four-year schools first. The earnings here do not cover the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centura College-Chesapeake worth the cost?
The numbers suggest poor value, with graduates earning $25,930 ten years after enrollment while the annual cost is $26,254. Most students would earn less than what they pay for just one year of school.
What is the return on investment for Centura College-Chesapeake graduates?
The ROI is negative for most programs, as annual tuition exceeds typical graduate earnings. Only the Business Administration program shows earnings above $30,000, while others fall well below the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Centura College-Chesapeake students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $14,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with graduate earnings around $26,000, loan payments could still strain budgets for most career paths offered.
Which programs at Centura College-Chesapeake have the best job prospects?
Business Administration shows the highest earnings at around $30,000, though this still barely exceeds annual tuition costs. Health administration and IT programs typically lead to lower salaries in the low $20,000 range.