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 is one of the cheapest four-year options you will find, and that low cost carries the ROI. At $832 a year in net price, you can recoup your spending fast even though the $37,378 median ten-year earnings sit below what a bachelor's degree usually returns. The math works here because you pay so little, not because the paychecks are large.
The two bachelor's programs with earnings data, teacher education and business administration, both land in the mid-$30,000s. Neither pays well by national standards. Teacher education edges out business by about $2,000, but in a rural Panhandle market like Marianna, both are realistic paths tied to local schools and small businesses. If you want a degree that leads to high earnings, Chipola's listed programs will not get you there.
The main financial risk is the earnings ceiling. A 61% graduation rate is solid for a school at this price, so completion is not the biggest worry. The worry is that even a completed degree here tops out in the mid-$30,000s. If you borrow anything beyond the modest net price, factor in that your income may stay flat for years.
The net price tiers are the clearest reason to consider Chipola. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $118 a year, which is close to free. Even in the $75,000-$110,000 band, you pay roughly $3,300, still low. Families at every income level covered here get a genuinely cheap four-year degree.
Chipola fits you if you are staying in the region, plan to teach or run a small business, and need to keep costs near zero. Look elsewhere if you want a degree that leads to a higher salary, since the earnings data here does not support that goal.
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.