At $5,594/yr net price, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates earn $36,143/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,143/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,594 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,143/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,143/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,055 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,393/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,971/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,726/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,547/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,591/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $67,660 | $5,798 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $63,430 | $11,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $46,087 | $9,019 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,026 | $12,718 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,829 | $5,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,181 | $14,250 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,048 | $4,093 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,121 | $20,798 |
The Risk Factor
49.6% of students at Elizabethtown 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
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with skilled trades leading the pack. The $5,594 annual net price makes it one of Kentucky's more affordable options, though the 49.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
Your program choice determines everything at ECTC. Electrical and Power Transmission leads with $67,660 median earnings against just $5,798 in debt, while Heavy Equipment Maintenance hits $63,430 with $11,500 debt. These technical programs tap directly into Kentucky's industrial job market and justify the investment within months of graduation.
Nursing and computer science offer middle-tier returns. Nursing graduates earn $45,026 but carry $12,718 in debt, while computer science majors see $46,087 earnings with $9,019 debt. Both programs face regional wage caps that limit long-term earning potential compared to major metropolitan areas.
The graduation rate creates real financial risk. You face a coin-flip chance of completing your program, and dropouts still owe money without credentials to show for it. The median $9,055 debt load stays manageable for graduates but becomes problematic if you don't finish.
ECTC works best for students targeting specific technical careers with clear local job paths. If you want electrical work, heavy equipment operation, or nursing in central Kentucky, the math works. Students seeking liberal arts degrees or planning to transfer should consider four-year schools directly, as ECTC's transfer pathways don't guarantee smooth credit acceptance elsewhere.
With 35.7% of students receiving aid, financial assistance availability remains limited compared to four-year institutions. Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning technical programs and finishing quickly to minimize both costs and dropout risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabethtown Community and Technical College worth the money?
For technical programs like electrical and power transmission, yes - graduates earn $67,660 annually with low debt. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, and general programs lead to below-average earnings of $36,143.
What are the best paying programs at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College?
Electrical and power transmission installers top the list at $67,660 annually, followed by heavy equipment maintenance at $63,430. These technical trades offer strong returns on the school's low $5,594 annual cost.
How much debt do Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,055, which is manageable for technical graduates earning $60,000-plus but problematic for general program graduates earning around $36,000. Low costs help keep debt reasonable compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College?
Only 49.6% of students graduate, meaning half drop out without completing their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value despite affordable tuition.