At $5,770/yr net price, East Central Community College graduates earn $32,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,770 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,579/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,154/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,301/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,067/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,539/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,934/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 | $52,789 | $7,665 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $28,212 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $25,967 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,410 | $5,279 |
The Risk Factor
39.3% of students at East Central 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
East Central Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nurses earning over $52,000 annually while carrying manageable debt loads of $7,665. This creates a strong payback scenario that justifies the investment.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation here. Electrical and power transmission work pays $38,289, providing decent returns for the modest cost. However, many other programs fall short, with allied health fields paying just $25,194 and precision metalworking at $25,967. These lower-earning paths may not justify even the relatively low $5,770 annual cost when you factor in opportunity costs.
The 39% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, potentially wasting both time and money. This completion challenge amplifies the importance of choosing the right program and staying focused on finishing.
East Central works best for Mississippi residents seeking nursing credentials or electrical training who can commit to program completion. The low net price makes it accessible, and the strong nursing outcomes create real earning potential in the regional healthcare market. You should look elsewhere if you need broader career options or stronger academic support systems.
With only 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. However, the low sticker price means most students graduate with minimal debt. Focus on the nursing program if you want the strongest financial returns, but have a backup plan given the challenging completion rates across all programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Central Community College worth the money?
East Central Community College offers good value with a low net price of $5,770 per year and minimal debt of $5,500. However, the 39% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $32,421 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at East Central Community College?
Registered nursing programs at East Central Community College lead to the highest earnings at $52,789 annually. Electrical and power transmission installer programs also pay well at $38,289, while other healthcare and trade programs offer more modest returns.
How much debt do East Central Community College graduates have?
East Central Community College graduates typically leave with just $5,500 in debt, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. This low debt load makes the financial risk relatively small even if career outcomes vary.
What is the graduation rate at East Central Community College?
Only 39% of students graduate from East Central Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This means many students may not complete their programs, limiting their return on investment.