At $12,522/yr net price, East Central College graduates earn $36,916/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,916/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,522 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,916/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,916/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,604/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,968/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,533/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,701/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,528/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 | $53,108 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,950 | $7,820 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at East Central 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
East Central College gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on what you study. The low median debt of $9,500 keeps your downside small, but the median earnings of $36,916 ten years out means most paths here lead to modest income. Only a 38% graduation rate finishes, and you carry the net price whether you finish or not.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At over $53,000, the associate nursing program earns nearly triple what general studies graduates make, and it ties into the steady regional demand for healthcare workers in and around Union. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs also clear $41,000, so the health-career track is where your money comes back.
The rest is weak. Design and applied arts and general studies both land under $20,000 , below what the net price alone costs you across a two-year associate. If you enroll in liberal arts here as an endpoint, the numbers do not work. treat it only as a transfer step toward a bachelor's elsewhere.
Your main risk is finishing without a marketable credential. Since fewer than four in ten graduate, dropping out after paying tuition leaves you with cost and no wage bump. Nursing carries higher debt ($15,000) but earns it back. the low-earning programs give you little to repay debt with.
Net price barely moves by income , families under $30,000 pay about $11,600, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $15,500. That flat structure means lower-income families get limited relief here, so budget for close to full price regardless of what you earn.
This school fits you if you commit to nursing or allied health and live locally. If you want a general-studies or arts credential to stand on its own, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Central College worth the cost?
East Central College offers good value for nursing students who can expect earnings around $53,000, but other programs show weak returns with many graduates earning under $20,000. The low graduation rate of 38% means many students pay costs without completing degrees.
What is the ROI for East Central College nursing programs?
East Central College nursing graduates earn about $53,000 annually, making it one of the few programs that justify the $12,522 yearly cost. Allied health programs also show decent returns at $41,000, but most other majors struggle financially.
How much debt do East Central College students graduate with?
East Central College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable for nursing students but problematic for liberal arts majors earning under $18,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by program choice.
Are East Central College graduates finding good jobs?
East Central College graduates average $36,916 annually ten years after enrollment, below national averages. Success depends heavily on program selection, with nursing and allied health offering career prospects while general studies and arts programs struggle in the job market.