At $6,643/yr net price, Community College of Baltimore County graduates earn $43,729/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,729/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,643 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,729/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,729/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,528 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,145/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,079/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,050/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,176/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,856/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $67,420 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $60,920 | $14,638 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,576 | $14,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Associate | $53,608 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $49,458 | $10,975 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $44,747 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $39,741 | |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $36,992 |
The Risk Factor
15.8% of students at Community College of Baltimore 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 Baltimore County offers strong returns for healthcare and public safety programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine its financial value. The school's 16% graduation rate means most students leave without credentials, making it a high-risk investment despite reasonable costs.
Your best financial bet lies in healthcare programs. Dental support services graduates earn $67,420 annually while nursing graduates make $58,576 with manageable debt loads around $14,750. Allied health diagnostic programs also deliver solid returns at $60,920. Criminal justice offers another strong path at $57,318 yearly earnings. These programs justify the investment because they lead to stable, well-paying jobs in Baltimore's healthcare-heavy economy.
The completion rate creates serious financial risk. With only one in six students finishing their programs, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no degree. This risk hits hardest in lower-paying fields where incomplete credentials offer little job market value.
CCBC works financially if you enroll in healthcare or criminal justice programs and commit to finishing. The low net price of $6,643 annually makes it affordable even without significant aid. Students who struggle with academic completion or choose programs outside the high-earning fields face poor financial prospects.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, suggesting many pay out of pocket. The relatively low median debt of $11,528 reflects both the affordable tuition and the reality that many students drop out before accumulating significant debt. Focus on completion support services and choose programs with clear career pathways to maximize your financial return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Baltimore County worth the money?
Community College of Baltimore County offers good value with low tuition at $6,643 annually and manageable debt averaging $11,528. However, the 15.8% graduation rate is concerning and means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Community College of Baltimore County?
Dental support services leads at $67,420 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $60,920 and nursing at $58,576. These healthcare programs offer strong returns compared to the low tuition cost.
How much debt do Community College of Baltimore County graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $11,528, which is relatively low for higher education. This modest debt load makes the financial risk manageable even if earnings don't meet expectations.
What is the job market like for Community College of Baltimore County graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $43,729 ten years after enrollment, which provides decent returns given the low cost. Healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, with some programs reaching over $60,000 annually.