At $414/yr net price, Cleveland Community College graduates earn $33,755/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $414 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $1,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,755/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-245/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 10.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,095/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,103/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,456/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 | $55,964 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,135 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,596 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
10.6% of students at Cleveland 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
Cleveland Community College delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $414 per year, making it one of the most affordable educational investments in North Carolina. Your return on investment hinges entirely on program choice, as earnings vary dramatically across majors.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $55,964 annually. This program pays for itself within weeks and provides strong job security in the regional healthcare market. Allied health programs also perform well at $41,565, offering solid returns for students entering diagnostic and treatment fields.
Criminal justice graduates earn $33,993, which represents decent value given the minimal upfront cost. Precision metal working at $30,771 aligns with regional manufacturing opportunities but requires careful consideration of long-term industry trends.
Business administration shows concerning returns at just $21,964 annually. This program struggles to justify even the low cost when compared to alternatives that require similar time investment.
The 10.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Most students who enroll never complete their programs, wasting time and opportunity costs even when direct expenses remain low. You face significant odds of leaving without credentials.
This school works best for career changers seeking specific technical skills, particularly in healthcare. The minimal financial commitment makes it reasonable for testing your interest in a field. However, traditional college-bound students should consider four-year options that provide better completion rates and broader career flexibility.
With nearly half of students receiving aid, financial assistance appears readily available for those who qualify, further reducing the already minimal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland Community College worth the cost?
Cleveland Community College costs just $414 per year, making it one of the most affordable options in North Carolina. However, the 10.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs, which significantly reduces the value.
What programs at Cleveland Community College have the best ROI?
The nursing programs at Cleveland Community College offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $56,000 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $41,565, while business programs show weaker outcomes at $21,964.
Do Cleveland Community College graduates make good money?
Cleveland Community College graduates earn $33,755 ten years after starting, which is below average for community colleges. The low graduation rate of 10.6% means many students leave without credentials and likely earn less.
What is the biggest risk of attending Cleveland Community College?
The main risk is not graduating, since only about 1 in 10 students complete their programs at Cleveland Community College. Students who don't finish get little benefit despite spending time and money on courses.