At $6,073/yr net price, Edgecombe Community College graduates earn $33,267/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,073 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,267/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-733/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,917 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,748/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,507/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,792/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,565/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 | $52,464 | $14,838 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,017 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,141 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,315 | $22,641 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,282 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
57.6% of students at Edgecombe Community 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
Edgecombe Community College offers solid returns if you pick the right program, but the overall financial picture shows significant variation by major. The $6,073 annual cost keeps debt manageable, with most graduates owing under $16,000.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $52,464 annually against just $14,838 in debt. This program justifies the investment in North Carolina's healthcare job market. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $40,017 in earnings, though specific debt figures for this track aren't available.
Business administration graduates face a tougher reality, earning $25,967 annually, which barely exceeds what many entry-level jobs pay without a degree. Medical assisting services and health administration fall into similar low-return territory, making the debt questionable for these paths.
The 57.6% graduation rate presents a real financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the credential to justify it. This school works best if you're committed to completing a healthcare program, particularly nursing, where job prospects in rural North Carolina remain stable.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering business programs or if you're uncertain about finishing. The low completion rate combined with weak earnings in non-healthcare fields creates poor odds. However, if you're focused on nursing or allied health and can commit to graduation, the low cost structure makes this a financially sound choice for career training rather than a stepping stone to a four-year degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edgecombe Community College worth the money?
Edgecombe Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $6,073 per year and manageable debt averaging $15,917. However, the 10-year median earnings of $33,267 are below average, making this school best for students pursuing specific high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the highest paying majors at Edgecombe Community College?
Nursing programs at Edgecombe Community College lead to the strongest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning a median of $52,464 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $40,017, while business administration graduates earn significantly less at $25,967.
How much debt do Edgecombe Community College graduates have?
Edgecombe Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $15,917, which is reasonable for a community college. With the low annual cost of $6,073, students who complete their programs in two years can minimize borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at Edgecombe Community College?
Edgecombe Community College has a 57.6% graduation rate, which is above average for community colleges but means over 40% of students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for longer programs.