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 keeps your costs low and your debt lower. At $5,770 a year in net price and a median debt of just $5,500, you can finish here without a loan burden that follows you for a decade. That matters because the median 10-year earnings sit at $32,421, which is modest. The math works only because you borrow so little.
The nursing track is where this school pays off. The associate degree in registered nursing leads to earnings near $53,000, roughly double the median for graduates here and the clear standout on this campus. If you can get into and finish that program, the return is strong even against the higher debt it carries. Electrical and power transmission installers also clear $38,000, another solid bet.
The certificate and allied health paths tell a harder story. Practical nursing, precision metal working, and the allied health diagnostic programs all land in the mid-$20,000s. Those figures sit below the overall median, so a certificate here can leave you earning less than the typical graduate. Pick your program with that gap in mind.
The biggest risk is completion. With a 39.3% graduation rate, most who enroll do not finish, and an unfinished credential gives you the cost without the earnings bump. The low debt cushions that risk, but it does not erase it.
Net price barely moves for lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $5,200, close to the sticker price for everyone. There is no steep discount for low income here, though the absolute number stays affordable at every tier, topping out near $11,000 for families over $110,000.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or skilled-trade credential without debt. Look elsewhere if you are chasing high earnings from a certificate program.
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.