At $5,814/yr net price, Chattahoochee Valley Community College graduates earn $36,438/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,438/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,814 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,438/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,438/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,228/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,064/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,671/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,522/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,047/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,860 | $13,133 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $7,621 |
The Risk Factor
36.1% of students at Chattahoochee Valley Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Chattahoochee Valley Community College delivers strong returns for nursing students but poor outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $57,860 annually, making the $13,133 median debt easily manageable with a debt-to-income ratio under 23%.
The liberal arts program tells a different story. Graduates earn just $24,035 annually, creating financial stress even with lower debt loads of $7,621. This earnings level barely covers basic living expenses in Alabama, making loan repayment challenging.
The 36% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-earning programs who cannot afford extended enrollment.
You should consider Chattahoochee Valley if you plan to enter the nursing program and can commit to finishing. The regional healthcare job market supports nursing graduates well, and the program's return on investment justifies the time and cost.
Look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts or general studies. The earning potential simply does not support the investment, even at community college prices. Students in these programs face years of financial struggle after graduation.
The school serves 39% of students with financial aid, suggesting reasonable support for qualifying students. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, especially given the low graduation rates that indicate many students struggle to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattahoochee Valley Community College worth the cost?
At $5,814 per year, Chattahoochee Valley Community College offers affordable tuition, but graduates earn just $36,438 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide better value with $57,860 median earnings, while liberal arts graduates earn only $24,035.
What is the graduation rate at Chattahoochee Valley Community College?
Only 36% of students graduate from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making the investment riskier than schools with higher graduation rates.
How much debt do Chattahoochee Valley Community College students graduate with?
The median debt at Chattahoochee Valley Community College is $10,500. While this is relatively low for higher education, it represents nearly one-third of typical graduate earnings, which creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
Which programs at Chattahoochee Valley Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Chattahoochee Valley Community College offer the strongest return, with graduates earning $57,860 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show poor ROI, with graduates earning just $24,035 despite similar education costs.