At $26,719/yr net price, Centura College-Norfolk graduates earn $25,930/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,719 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,930/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,070/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.9% |
| 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 | $25,954/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,966/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,092/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,208/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,531/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,986 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,679 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,234 | $9,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,019 | $22,000 |
The Risk Factor
62.9% of students at Centura College-Norfolk graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Centura College-Norfolk delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates in a difficult position. With a net price of $26,719 annually and median earnings of just $25,930 ten years after graduation, you'll likely earn less than what you paid for your education.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, with graduates earning $39,986 annually. This program justifies the cost and offers genuine career advancement in Norfolk's healthcare market. All other programs lead to earnings below $22,000, making them poor investments given the school's high price point.
Your biggest risk is the combination of low completion rates and weak job outcomes. With only 63% of students graduating, you face significant odds of paying for an incomplete program. Even if you do graduate from non-nursing programs, you'll earn roughly $21,000 while carrying debt that makes financial progress challenging.
This school makes financial sense only if you're entering the nursing program and committed to working in healthcare. The nursing track provides legitimate career training with earnings that exceed your investment. For any other program, you should explore community colleges or other vocational schools that offer similar training at lower costs.
With nearly 74% of students receiving financial aid, most students here struggle to afford the tuition. The median debt of $14,750 might seem manageable, but it becomes problematic when paired with the low earnings from most programs. You need a clear plan for the nursing program or should consider more affordable alternatives for other career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centura College-Norfolk worth the cost?
Centura College-Norfolk has poor ROI with graduates earning $25,930 ten years after enrollment while paying $26,719 annually. The nursing programs show better returns at around $40,000, but other health programs barely reach $21,000 in median earnings.
What programs at Centura College-Norfolk have the best job prospects?
Practical nursing offers the strongest earning potential at nearly $40,000 annually. Health administration and dental support programs show much lower returns around $21,000, making them questionable investments given the school's cost.
How much debt do Centura College-Norfolk graduates typically have?
The median debt is $14,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with overall graduate earnings of just $25,930, even this modest debt load creates financial strain for most programs outside of nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Centura College-Norfolk?
Centura College-Norfolk has a 62.9% graduation rate. This means more than one in three students don't complete their programs, adding significant risk to an already questionable financial investment for most career paths offered.