At $23,878/yr net price, Chester Career College graduates earn $32,650/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,878 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,650/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,350/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,879 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,237/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,480/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,480/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,798 | $19,917 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $24,035 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $20,824 | $18,752 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
40.0% of students at Chester Career College 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
Chester Career College delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates at serious economic risk. The school's median graduate earns just $32,650 ten years after enrollment while carrying nearly $20,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that limits your financial flexibility for years.
Only the Practical Nursing program offers decent earning potential at $43,798 annually, though even this comes with substantial debt load. The other major programs lead to poverty-level wages: Allied Health graduates earn $20,824 while owing $18,752, and Cosmetology majors face the worst outcome at $18,771 in annual earnings. These programs essentially guarantee you'll struggle financially after graduation.
The 40% graduation rate signals additional risk. Six out of ten students who enroll never complete their programs, yet many still accumulate debt with nothing to show for it. This dropout rate suggests either inadequate academic support or unrealistic program expectations.
You should only consider Chester Career College if you're committed to the Practical Nursing track and have exhausted community college options in your area. Community colleges typically offer similar nursing programs at significantly lower cost. For all other programs, your money produces better returns elsewhere.
The school's location in Chester, Virginia limits job market opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, which partly explains the low earnings outcomes. Before enrolling, verify that local healthcare facilities actively hire from this program and research starting wages at specific employers in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chester Career College worth the money?
Chester Career College graduates earn a median of $32,650 ten years after enrollment, which is low relative to the $23,878 annual cost. The 40% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Chester Career College?
Practical Nursing graduates from Chester Career College earn the highest median salary at $43,798, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Other programs like cosmetology ($18,771) and medical assisting ($20,824) offer much lower earning potential.
How much debt do Chester Career College students graduate with?
Chester Career College graduates have a median debt of $19,879. Given the low median earnings of $32,650, this debt load may be difficult to manage for most graduates.
Does Chester Career College have good job placement after graduation?
With only 40% of students completing their programs at Chester Career College, most don't reach graduation to enter the job market. The school's low completion rate suggests significant challenges in student success.