At $13,306/yr net price, Community College of Philadelphia graduates earn $40,852/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,852/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,306 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,852/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,852/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,993/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,501/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,006/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 | $63,005 | $13,158 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,937 | $11,459 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,273 | $14,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,391 | $11,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,783 | $11,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $29,685 | $10,500 |
The Risk Factor
19.7% of students at Community College of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but poor outcomes for most other fields. With a 20% graduation rate, four out of five students leave without a credential, making this a high-risk investment despite the low $13,306 annual cost.
Nursing students earn $63,005 annually with manageable $13,158 debt loads, creating excellent payback potential. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $59,937 in earnings. Dental support services graduates earn $51,273, though higher debt of $14,500 cuts into returns. These healthcare tracks justify the investment if you complete the program.
Computer technology and clinical lab science programs produce modest $48,000-range salaries. Given Philadelphia's competitive tech market, you might find better ROI at four-year institutions or specialized coding bootcamps for similar career outcomes.
The 20% graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk. Most students accumulate debt and time costs without earning credentials. If you struggle with self-direction or have weak academic preparation, consider intensive support services or alternative pathways before enrolling.
This school works financially if you target healthcare programs and have clear career goals. Pre-nursing students can complete prerequisites affordably before transferring. Working adults seeking specific certifications benefit from flexible scheduling and lower costs compared to four-year alternatives.
With 53% of students receiving aid and relatively low debt loads, financial barriers stay manageable for qualified students. However, avoid general studies or exploratory programs given the low completion rates. Focus on high-earning healthcare fields or use this as an affordable stepping stone to four-year programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Philadelphia worth the cost?
Community College of Philadelphia offers reasonable value if you complete a degree, with low debt ($10,750 median) and affordable annual costs ($13,306). However, the 19.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Community College of Philadelphia?
Nursing programs at Community College of Philadelphia lead to the highest earnings, with graduates earning around $63,000 annually. Allied health programs like dental support services ($51,273) and medical lab science ($48,432) also provide solid returns compared to the low tuition cost.
How much debt do Community College of Philadelphia graduates have?
Community College of Philadelphia graduates have relatively low debt at $10,750 median, making it less risky than four-year schools. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, which means many students leave without a degree but may still carry some debt.
Do Community College of Philadelphia graduates earn good salaries?
Community College of Philadelphia graduates earn $40,852 annually ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost and debt. Nursing and healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, while other programs may struggle to justify even the low tuition cost.