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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path, but the payoff depends entirely on which program you pick. With median debt around $9,000 and a net price under $6,000 a year, you won't dig a deep financial hole here. The problem is the median earnings ten years out sit close to $36,000, which barely clears what many people earn without any degree at all.
The gap between programs is stark. The electrical and power transmission associate degree pays roughly $67,660 with under $6,000 in debt, the strongest return on this campus by a wide margin. Heavy equipment maintenance follows at $63,430. These are the trades that Kentucky's industrial and utility employers hire for, and they justify the tuition on their own. Computer and information sciences and registered nursing land in the mid-$40,000s, still solid against the cost. Allied health diagnostic programs trail at $38,829, close to the school-wide median and a weaker bet.
The financial risk here is picking a program that lands you near that $36,000 median. If you enroll without a plan to finish one of the higher-paying technical or health tracks, the low sticker price stops being a bargain. The 49.6% graduation rate means about half of you won't finish, and a partial degree with even modest debt is the worst outcome.
If your family earns under $48,000, your net price stays around $4,400 to $5,000, and this school is a cheap, sensible entry point into a trade or nursing. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $11,600, and the math only works if you target electrical, heavy equipment, or nursing. Enroll here for a specific technical credential, not to explore.
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.