At $27,538/yr net price, Centura College-Virginia Beach graduates earn $25,930/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,538 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,152 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,930/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,070/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| 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 | $26,894/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,943/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,123/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 | |
| 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 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,234 | $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
50.0% of students at Centura College-Virginia Beach 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
Centura College-Virginia Beach delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $25,930 ten years after graduation despite annual costs exceeding $27,000. You're likely to earn less than you pay for your education at this school.
The practical nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $40,000 in median earnings. This program justifies the investment and offers your best path to positive returns. Business administration programs show mixed results, with some tracks reaching $30,000 while others plateau around $22,000. The computer technology program underperforms significantly at under $24,000 annually.
Your biggest risk at Centura College is the high dropout rate, with only half of students completing their programs. If you don't graduate, you'll carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. The school's for-profit status means fewer resources for student support compared to community colleges offering similar programs at lower costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you're entering the nursing program and confident about completing it. The accelerated format may appeal to working adults who need flexibility, but you'll pay a premium for convenience. Students considering business or IT programs should compare outcomes at nearby community colleges, where similar training costs significantly less.
With over 70% of students receiving financial aid and median debt around $14,750, most graduates will face loan payments that consume a substantial portion of their modest post-graduation income. The math simply doesn't work for most programs at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centura College-Virginia Beach worth the cost?
With average earnings of $25,930 ten years after graduation and an annual cost of $27,538, most graduates earn less than what they pay per year. The nursing program shows better returns at nearly $40,000, but other programs struggle to justify the expense.
What is the job outlook for Centura College-Virginia Beach graduates?
Only 50% of students graduate, and most programs lead to earnings below $25,000 annually. The practical nursing program offers the best prospects with median earnings near $40,000, while business and IT programs typically result in much lower pay.
How much student debt do Centura College-Virginia Beach students have?
The median debt is $14,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with most graduates earning around $26,000 annually, even this lower debt amount can be challenging to repay.
Which programs at Centura College-Virginia Beach have the best ROI?
Practical nursing offers the strongest return with graduates earning nearly $40,000 annually. Business administration and IT programs show poor ROI, with graduates typically earning $22,000-$30,000 despite similar tuition costs.