At $7,779/yr net price, Coastal Carolina Community College graduates earn $36,444/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,444/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,779 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,444/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,444/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,436/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,555/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,965/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 | $56,234 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,398 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,348 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $30,409 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $23,456 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,456 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,085 |
The Risk Factor
42.0% of students at Coastal Carolina Community 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
Coastal Carolina Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with nursing and healthcare tracks offering the strongest earning potential. The $7,779 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable pathways to middle-class careers in eastern North Carolina.
Your program choice determines everything here. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,234 annually, turning your two-year investment into a career that pays for itself within months. Dental support services and medical lab technology also provide strong returns at $47,260 and $39,009 respectively. These healthcare programs align perfectly with the growing medical sector around Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station.
Criminal justice and practical nursing graduates face tougher economics, earning around $35,000 annually. While these salaries exceed the regional median, the financial advantage over high school graduates narrows considerably. You need to weigh whether two years of school and potential debt make sense for these outcomes.
The 42% graduation rate creates real financial risk. If you struggle with completion, you face the worst outcome: debt without credentials. This school works best for students with clear career goals who can commit fully to finishing their programs.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket or rely on employer sponsorship. Military families stationed at nearby bases often use tuition assistance programs, making the school particularly cost-effective for service members and their dependents.
This college makes financial sense if you target healthcare programs and can complete your degree. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or want broader career flexibility that only a four-year degree provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Carolina Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,779 per year and graduates earning $36,444 after 10 years, Coastal Carolina Community College offers reasonable value for career-focused programs. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their degree.
What are the highest paying programs at Coastal Carolina Community College?
Registered nursing programs lead with graduates earning $56,234 annually, followed by dental support services at $47,260. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $36,444.
How much debt do Coastal Carolina Community College students typically graduate with?
At $7,779 per year, students can complete most two-year programs for under $16,000 total cost. This low cost structure makes debt manageable compared to four-year institutions, especially for students who complete their programs.
Does Coastal Carolina Community College have good job placement rates?
The school focuses on healthcare and technical fields with strong local demand, but the 42% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs. Success depends heavily on choosing high-demand programs like nursing or dental services.