At $7,158/yr net price, Danville Community College graduates earn $31,664/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,158 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,664/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,336/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,555/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,969/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,177/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,859/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,060/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $52,941 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $52,941 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,320 | $10,417 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,205 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,185 | $6,400 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Danville Community College 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
Danville Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The electrical and nursing programs stand out with graduates earning over $50,000 annually, providing excellent returns on the $7,158 annual net price.
Your best financial bets are electrical engineering technology and nursing, where graduates earn roughly seven times the annual cost of attendance. The precision metalworking program also pays well at $42,682 annually. However, many other programs at Danville lead to earnings below $32,000, which barely justifies even this low-cost education when you factor in opportunity costs.
The 38% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you drop out, you lose time and money with nothing to show for it. You face additional risk if you choose a lower-earning program, as the modest $31,664 median earnings suggest many graduates struggle to achieve strong returns.
Danville works best financially if you target the high-earning technical programs and complete your degree. The school makes sense for Virginia residents seeking affordable training in electrical work, nursing, or skilled trades. You should look elsewhere if you want a broad liberal arts education or if you struggle with program completion.
The relatively low debt burden of $9,000 helps your financial picture, and with only 37% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities may exist for strong applicants. Your strategy should focus on choosing a high-earning program and finishing quickly to maximize your return on this affordable education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danville Community College worth the money?
Danville Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,158 per year and manageable debt of $9,000. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $31,664 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Danville Community College?
Electrical engineering technology and electrical power transmission programs lead with $52,941 median earnings, followed by nursing at $50,320. These technical programs offer solid returns that justify the investment, unlike some other offerings.
How much debt do Danville Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $9,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost means most students can graduate without crushing debt loads.
Does Danville Community College have a good graduation rate?
The 38% graduation rate is below average for community colleges. This means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly reduces the return on investment for those who don't complete degrees.