At $4,178/yr net price, Chesapeake College graduates earn $36,301/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,301/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,178 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,301/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,301/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,527/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,465/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,074/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,940/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. | Certificate | $58,334 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,775 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $22,989 |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Chesapeake 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
Chesapeake College delivers strong financial value if you pick the right program, but choosing poorly will leave you financially worse off than before you enrolled.
The nursing programs represent your best financial bet at Chesapeake, with graduates earning $53,000 to $58,000 annually. These salaries justify the investment and align well with regional healthcare demand on Maryland's Eastern Shore. You face significant competition for nursing program spots, but admission gives you access to one of the most reliable career paths available at community colleges.
Liberal arts graduates earn just $23,000 annually, barely above minimum wage and insufficient to justify even Chesapeake's low costs. This outcome reflects limited career opportunities for general studies graduates in the rural Eastern Shore job market, where employers typically seek specific technical skills.
The 21% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Four out of five students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate suggests either inadequate academic preparation among incoming students or insufficient support services to help struggling students succeed.
Financial aid covers only 27% of students, meaning most pay the full net price. Maryland residents benefit from relatively low in-state tuition, but out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether Chesapeake's limited program offerings justify higher costs compared to community colleges in their home states.
Chesapeake works best for Maryland residents seeking nursing careers or specific technical training aligned with local job opportunities. You should avoid this school if you need extensive program variety, strong student support services, or if you're considering liberal arts studies without a clear transfer plan to a four-year institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake College worth the money?
Chesapeake College offers good value with a low net price of $4,178 annually, but the 21% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing programs provide strong earning potential at $53,000-$58,000, while liberal arts graduates earn only $23,000.
What is the ROI for Chesapeake College graduates?
Chesapeake College ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $53,000-$58,000 annually, making the low tuition worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average just $23,000 ten years after enrollment.
Which programs at Chesapeake College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Chesapeake College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $53,000-$58,000 annually. Other programs show significantly lower earning potential, with liberal arts graduates averaging $23,000.
What are the biggest risks of attending Chesapeake College?
The main risk at Chesapeake College is the low 21% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. Students outside nursing face limited earning potential, with many programs leading to below-average wages.