At $4,402/yr net price, Craven Community College graduates earn $34,231/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $231/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,402 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,231/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$231/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 76.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,923/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,138/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,786/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 | $53,179 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,649 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,420 |
The Risk Factor
45.8% of students at Craven 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
Craven Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs while offering weak outcomes in general studies. Your investment pays off best in nursing, where graduates earn $53,179 annually against a $4,402 yearly cost. Allied health programs also generate solid returns at $39,369 in median earnings.
Liberal arts and general studies programs present poor financial prospects, with graduates earning just $23,649 ten years later. Health administration shows similarly weak returns at $22,420 annually. These earnings barely justify even the low tuition costs when you factor in opportunity costs and time invested.
The 45.8% graduation rate creates significant financial risk, meaning you face nearly even odds of leaving without completing your program. This risk compounds for students pursuing lower-earning majors, where incomplete credentials offer minimal labor market value.
Craven works best financially if you target nursing or allied health programs and can complete them successfully. The low net price makes it accessible for career switchers or those seeking specific technical skills. Students planning to transfer to four-year schools should carefully evaluate whether general studies credits will transfer effectively.
With only 34.26% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing a high-earning program quickly rather than relying on aid packages. Students considering general studies or planning extended timelines should explore alternatives with stronger completion rates and transfer agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craven Community College worth the money?
Craven Community College offers decent value at $4,402 per year, especially for nursing programs that lead to $53,179 average earnings. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Craven Community College?
Nursing programs at Craven Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $53,000 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $39,369, while liberal arts graduates earn only $23,649.
How much debt do Craven Community College graduates have?
At $4,402 annually, Craven Community College keeps costs low compared to four-year schools. Most community college students graduate with minimal debt, making it a lower-risk option for career training.
Do Craven Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates in healthcare fields from Craven Community College typically find stable employment with decent pay. Liberal arts and general studies graduates face more challenging job prospects with lower average earnings of $23,649.