At $1,183/yr net price, Durham Technical Community College graduates earn $36,142/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,142/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,183 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $4,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,142/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,142/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $621/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $375/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,445/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,126/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $62,012 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,943 | $13,000 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,254 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,862 | $10,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $25,658 |
The Risk Factor
36.2% of students at Durham Technical 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
Durham Technical Community College delivers strong financial returns at an strongly low cost, with a net price of just $1,183 annually making it one of the most affordable education options in North Carolina. The school's healthcare and technical programs generate earnings that far exceed the minimal investment required.
Your best financial bets are the specialized healthcare programs. Ophthalmic and optometric support leads with $62,012 in median earnings, while registered nursing graduates earn $58,943 with only $13,000 in debt. Computer networking and telecommunications also pays well at $49,683, positioning you strongly in Durham's growing tech sector.
The main financial risk is the 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't finish their programs. This matters more for your time investment than money, given the low costs involved. Students who struggle with self-directed learning or need extensive academic support may find better success elsewhere.
Durham Tech works best financially if you have clear career goals in healthcare, IT, or skilled trades. The school's location in the Research Triangle provides access to medical facilities and tech companies that hire directly from these programs. You can afford to focus on studies without overwhelming debt pressure.
Skip this school if you want a traditional college experience or need extensive student services. The low graduation rate suggests limited support systems. Also avoid if you're undecided about career direction, since the value comes from completing specific vocational programs rather than general education.
Financial aid covers costs for nearly one-third of students, and the low sticker price means most families can pay out of pocket. This eliminates debt entirely for many students, making Durham Tech one of the safest financial choices for career training in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham Technical Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of just $1,183 per year and low median debt of $14,750, Durham Technical Community College offers strong value for students who complete their programs. The school's healthcare and technical programs produce graduates earning $46,000-$62,000 annually, well above the overall average of $36,142.
What are the highest paying programs at Durham Technical Community College?
Ophthalmic support services graduates earn $62,012 annually, while nursing graduates average $58,943. Computer networking and allied health programs also pay well at $49,683 and $46,254 respectively, making these the best ROI options at the school.
What is the graduation rate at Durham Technical Community College?
Durham Technical Community College has a 36.20% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students who do graduate generally see good returns, especially in healthcare and technical fields.
How much debt do Durham Technical Community College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $14,750, which is manageable given the low annual cost and decent earnings potential in key programs. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.