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 costs you under $5,000 a year, but the payoff is thin. Ten years after enrolling, the median earnings sit at $32,418, which is close to what you might earn without a degree in rural Virginia. The low price keeps your downside small, but the upside is limited too.
The only program with reported earnings data is the associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and it comes in at $15,182 a year. That is a transfer degree, not a job-ready credential, so those low earnings reflect people who stopped after two years instead of moving on to a four-year school. If you enroll here to transfer, this number does not tell your story. If you enroll here to work right after, it warns you that liberal arts alone will not pay.
The biggest risk is the 36% graduation rate. Nearly two out of three starters do not finish. If you borrow or give up work hours and then leave without a credential, you carry the cost and get none of the benefit. Finishing is the whole game here.
Net price barely moves across income levels until you pass $48k, then it climbs. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $4,500 to $4,800. Above $75k, the price nearly doubles to about $10,000, which changes the math on a two-year degree with modest earnings behind it.
This school fits you if you live on the Eastern Shore, want a cheap start, and plan to transfer to a four-year program. Look elsewhere if you need a two-year degree that leads straight to a solid paycheck, because the earnings data here does not support that plan.
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.