At $8,398/yr net price, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College graduates earn $31,636/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,398 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,636/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,364/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,896/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,689/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,752/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,487/yr |
The Risk Factor
40.6% of students at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers weak financial returns for most students. With median earnings of just $31,636 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 41%, your investment faces significant risk.
The low net price of $8,398 annually helps keep total costs manageable, but the earnings outcomes struggle to justify even this modest investment. Your median debt load of $8,500 represents a reasonable burden if you complete your program, but with six out of ten students failing to graduate, completion itself becomes a major financial risk.
Healthcare programs typically provide the strongest returns at community colleges in rural West Virginia, given regional demand for medical assistants and nursing aides. Business and general studies programs show weaker job market alignment in the area's limited economy. Trade programs may offer better prospects than the earnings data suggests, as local construction and maintenance work can pay above the median.
You should consider this school only if you plan to stay in the immediate region and pursue healthcare or skilled trades. The combination of low completion rates and limited regional job opportunities makes this a poor choice if you need geographic mobility or expect earnings above $35,000 within five years of graduation.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 30% of students, suggesting limited grant opportunities beyond federal Pell grants. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and transferring to a four-year school if you need higher earnings potential. Part-time attendance while working locally can help minimize debt, but extends your timeline in an already weak job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,398 annually and graduates earning $31,636 ten years later, the financial return is modest but the debt burden remains manageable at $8,500. The low graduation rate of 41% means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the job prospects after Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College?
Graduates earn an average of $31,636 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for community college graduates. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with healthcare and skilled trades typically offering better earning potential.
How much debt do Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College students typically have?
The median debt for graduates is $8,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. However, with the 41% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What programs at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College have the best ROI?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest return on investment at community colleges. Given the rural location, programs aligned with local industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades may provide better job placement opportunities.