At $8,166/yr net price, Community College of Allegheny County graduates earn $39,449/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,449/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,166 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,449/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,449/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,680 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,510/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,414/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,633/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,758/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,905/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $124,590 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,851 | $14,333 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $45,808 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,342 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,323 | $14,927 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,485 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $38,289 | $12,483 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,593 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,668 |
The Risk Factor
23.4% of students at Community College of Allegheny County 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
Community College of Allegheny County delivers strong financial returns for specific career tracks but weak outcomes for many other programs. The school's electrical and power transmission program stands out with graduates earning $124,590 annually, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs anywhere. Nursing graduates earn $53,851 with manageable debt of $14,333, reflecting Pittsburgh's strong healthcare job market.
The 23% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll face debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-earning programs where the margin for error is slim.
Healthcare and skilled trades programs justify the investment at CCAC, but avoid programs outside these areas. The median graduate earns just $39,449 ten years out, which barely justifies even the low $8,166 annual cost when you factor in opportunity costs and completion risks.
You're a good financial fit for CCAC if you're targeting specific high-demand careers like electrical work, nursing, or automotive repair in the Pittsburgh region. The school works best for students with clear career goals who can handle the completion challenges. Look elsewhere if you're exploring general education or uncertain about your direction, as the low graduation rate makes CCAC a poor choice for undecided students.
With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price. Focus on completing quickly to minimize costs and maximize your return on this targeted career investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Allegheny County worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,166 per year and median earnings of $39,449 after graduation, CCAC offers decent value for certain career-focused programs. The low graduation rate of 23.4% means many students don't finish, which hurts the overall return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Community College of Allegheny County?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads with $124,590 median earnings, followed by nursing at $53,851. These technical programs offer strong job prospects that justify the tuition cost.
How much debt do Community College of Allegheny County graduates have?
The median debt load is $12,680, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with post-graduation earnings averaging $39,449, graduates need about 4-5 years to pay off loans if they focus on debt repayment.
Does Community College of Allegheny County have a good graduation rate?
CCAC's 23.4% graduation rate is concerning and well below national averages for community colleges. This means roughly 3 out of 4 students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the school's value proposition.