At $7,258/yr net price, Davidson-Davie Community College graduates earn $36,337/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,337/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,258 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,337/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,337/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,236/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,268/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,460/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,686/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,023/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 | $58,221 | $10,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $35,240 | $15,584 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $30,228 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,204 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,353 | $18,617 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
42.1% of students at Davidson-Davie 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
Davidson-Davie Community College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but mixed results across other programs. At $7,258 annually, the school costs significantly less than most alternatives, making even modest earnings gains worthwhile for many students.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $58,221 annually with just $10,500 in debt. This creates an excellent debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in North Carolina's healthcare job market. Health administration and criminal justice programs generate respectable mid-$35,000 salaries, though criminal justice comes with higher debt at $15,584.
The 42% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Davidson-Davie. If you don't complete your program, you lose both time and money without gaining marketable credentials. This risk hits hardest in lower-earning programs where the margin for error is slim.
You should consider Davidson-Davie if you want nursing training at a bargain price or need affordable career preparation in healthcare support roles. The school works well for local students who can live at home and minimize living expenses. Skip Davidson-Davie if you're targeting high-earning fields not offered here or if you struggle with program completion, since the graduation rate suggests many students don't finish.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, indicating either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant federal aid. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize the return on your investment, especially in non-nursing fields where earnings potential is more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidson-Davie Community College worth the money?
Davidson-Davie Community College offers decent value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $58,221 annually, which justifies the $7,258 yearly cost and typical $10,500 debt load.
What are the highest paying programs at Davidson-Davie Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Davidson-Davie Community College, with graduates earning $58,221 per year. Health and Medical Administrative Services ($35,594) and Criminal Justice ($35,240) also provide reasonable returns.
How much debt do Davidson-Davie Community College students graduate with?
Davidson-Davie Community College graduates typically owe $10,500 in student loans. This debt level is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for lower-paying programs like Zoology ($30,409).
What is the graduation rate at Davidson-Davie Community College?
Only 42% of students graduate from Davidson-Davie Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making program choice and academic commitment critical.