At $4,975/yr net price, Eastern Shore Community College graduates earn $32,418/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,975 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,418/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,582/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,821/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,563/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,760/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,019/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,182 |
The Risk Factor
36.2% of students at Eastern Shore 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
Eastern Shore Community College offers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify even its low $4,975 annual cost. Your median earnings of $32,418 ten years after enrollment barely exceed what many high school graduates earn without any college debt.
The school's flagship Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces particularly poor outcomes, with graduates earning just $15,182 annually. This figure falls well below poverty-level wages and suggests the program fails to prepare students for viable careers. With only a 36% graduation rate, most students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt.
Eastern Shore Community College makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at a lower cost. The school could work for students who need remedial coursework before transferring or those seeking specific workforce training programs not reflected in the earnings data.
Avoid this school if you need your degree to lead directly to employment. The combination of low completion rates and poor earnings outcomes creates significant financial risk. You face a high probability of leaving without a credential while owing money, then struggling to find work that pays above minimum wage even if you do graduate.
The 37% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best strategy involves minimizing time on campus by maximizing transfer credits and choosing a clear pathway to a four-year degree. Eastern Shore works as a stepping stone but fails as a final destination for career preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Shore Community College worth the cost compared to other options?
With a net price of $4,975 per year and graduates earning $32,418 after 10 years, Eastern Shore Community College offers reasonable value for a two-year degree. The low cost makes it accessible, but the graduation rate of 36% means many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Eastern Shore Community College have the best return on investment?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Eastern Shore Community College earn around $15,182, which is below the national average for community college programs. Students looking for higher earnings should consider transferring to a four-year school or pursuing technical certifications.
How much student debt do Eastern Shore Community College graduates typically have?
The low annual cost of $4,975 at Eastern Shore Community College means most students graduate with minimal debt if they complete the program. However, with only 36% of students graduating, many end up with some debt but no degree.
Should I attend Eastern Shore Community College or go straight to a four-year university?
Eastern Shore Community College works best as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school, given the low earnings of $15,182 for its main programs. Students planning to enter the workforce immediately after two years should look for community colleges with stronger technical programs.