At $832/yr net price, Chipola College graduates earn $37,378/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,378/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $832 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $3,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,378/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,378/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $118/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,282/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,531/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,333/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 | $46,673 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,908 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $20,824 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
61.3% of students at Chipola College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Chipola College delivers strong financial value with a net price under $1,000 annually and graduates earning a median $37,378 ten years later. This represents one of the strongest ROI profiles among community colleges nationwide, though your earnings potential varies dramatically by program choice.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $46,673 annually compared to the school median. This program justifies attendance even if you're considering alternatives, as the salary premium combined with minimal debt creates substantial lifetime value. Teacher education also performs reasonably well at $34,908, though you'll face Florida's competitive teaching job market.
Liberal arts and cosmetology programs present concerning financial outcomes. Liberal arts graduates earn just $16,169 annually, barely above minimum wage despite completing a degree. Cosmetology graduates fare slightly better at $20,824 but still struggle to justify even Chipola's low costs when factoring in opportunity costs.
The 61% graduation rate signals moderate completion risk, meaning roughly four in ten students leave without credentials. However, the minimal financial exposure limits downside compared to expensive four-year institutions.
You're an ideal candidate if you're pursuing nursing or teaching with plans to stay in rural North Florida, where Chipola's regional connections matter most. The school works well for career changers seeking affordable retraining or recent high school graduates needing a low-risk college start.
Avoid Chipola if you're targeting high-paying fields not offered here, need urban job market access, or want traditional four-year college experiences. With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chipola College worth the cost?
With a net price of just $832 per year, Chipola College offers exceptional value even though graduate earnings average $37,378 after 10 years. The extremely low cost makes it nearly risk-free financially, especially for students who transfer to four-year schools or enter healthcare fields.
What are the best paying programs at Chipola College?
Nursing programs at Chipola College lead to the highest earnings at $46,673 annually, followed by teacher education at $34,908. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $16,169, making program choice critical for financial returns.
How much debt do Chipola College graduates typically have?
Chipola College's $832 annual net price means most students graduate with minimal or no debt. This low cost structure makes it one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in Florida.
Does Chipola College have good graduation rates?
Chipola College's 61% graduation rate is reasonable for a community college, though about 4 in 10 students don't complete their programs. The low cost reduces the financial risk if students don't finish.