At $9,514/yr net price, Coastal Alabama Community College graduates earn $34,894/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $894/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,894/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$894/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 42.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,037/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,468/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,551/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,166/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,983/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 | $52,334 | $13,053 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,424 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,839 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $22,578 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,545 | $9,707 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $18,429 |
The Risk Factor
26.4% of students at Coastal Alabama 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
Coastal Alabama Community College offers a mixed financial return heavily dependent on your program choice. The nursing program delivers strong earnings at $52,334 annually, making it one of the region's better bets for healthcare careers in rural Alabama. Industrial production and computer science programs also provide decent returns above the school's median.
The 26% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a three-in-four chance of leaving without completing your degree, potentially with debt but no credential. This low completion rate reflects the challenges many students face at this rural community college.
Avoid business administration here. With earnings of just $29,685, you'll struggle to justify even the modest $11,000 typical debt load. Allied health programs also underperform relative to their time investment.
This school works best if you're pursuing nursing or technical trades and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price of $9,514 keeps costs manageable for Alabama residents. Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want a traditional college experience. The combination of low graduation rates and limited program options makes this a risky choice unless you're specifically targeting the nursing program or need a local option for technical training in Baldwin County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Alabama Community College worth the money?
Coastal Alabama Community College offers decent value for nursing students, who earn around $52,000 after graduation. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $34,894 and low 26% graduation rate mean many students struggle to complete programs or see strong returns on investment.
What programs at Coastal Alabama Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Coastal Alabama Community College provide the strongest earnings potential at $52,334 annually. Industrial production technology and computer science also offer above-average returns, while business administration graduates earn only $29,685.
How much debt do Coastal Alabama Community College graduates have?
Coastal Alabama Community College graduates have a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable for nursing and technical program graduates. However, this debt burden becomes problematic for business and general studies students who earn significantly less after graduation.
What is the graduation rate at Coastal Alabama Community College?
Only 26% of students graduate from Coastal Alabama Community College within the typical timeframe. This low completion rate means most students either transfer, drop out, or take much longer to finish their programs than expected.