At $6,980/yr net price, Community College of Beaver County graduates earn $45,090/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,090/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,090/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,090/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,923 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,640/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,527/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,431/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,380/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,391/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 | $53,894 | $18,630 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,937 | |
| Air Transportation. | Associate | $41,565 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $14,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Community College of Beaver 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 Beaver County delivers strong returns for specific career programs but carries significant completion risk. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $53,894 annually, making the $18,630 debt load manageable with a payback period under four years. Air transportation and practical nursing also provide solid earning potential relative to their debt burdens.
The 21% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at this school. You face a high probability of leaving with debt but no credential, particularly problematic given that a quarter of students receive financial aid. The liberal arts program shows weak returns with graduates earning just $24,035, barely above minimum wage jobs that require no college at all.
This school works financially if you can commit fully to a healthcare or technical program and have strong study habits to beat the low completion odds. The relatively low $6,980 annual net price keeps your risk contained compared to four-year schools. Skip this school if you're uncertain about your major, struggle with academic persistence, or want liberal arts education that transfers well to a bachelor's program.
The low percentage receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize opportunity costs, and consider the nursing pathway if you can handle the academic demands. The regional job market in western Pennsylvania supports healthcare careers but offers fewer opportunities for liberal arts graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Beaver County worth the money?
Community College of Beaver County offers decent value if you complete a nursing program, with graduates earning around $54,000 annually. However, the 21% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for those who struggle with completion.
What are the best paying programs at Community College of Beaver County?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Community College of Beaver County, with graduates earning $53,894 per year. Practical Nursing ($41,937) and Air Transportation ($41,565) also provide solid returns, while Liberal Arts graduates earn just $24,035.
How much debt will I have from Community College of Beaver County?
Typical graduates from Community College of Beaver County leave with $14,923 in debt. This debt load is manageable if you complete a nursing program, but problematic if you end up in lower-paying fields or don't graduate.
What is the graduation rate at Community College of Beaver County?
Only 21% of students graduate from Community College of Beaver County within normal timeframes. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering whether the college is worth attending.