At $6,342/yr net price, Forsyth Technical Community College graduates earn $34,139/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $139/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,342 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,139/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$139/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 182.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,030/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,652/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,026/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,034/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,308/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 | $56,005 | $12,718 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,214 | $10,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $9,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,526 | $9,164 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,941 | $15,177 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $29,685 | $13,611 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $26,933 | $19,427 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at Forsyth Technical 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
Forsyth Technical Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes overall due to its 28% graduation rate and modest median earnings of $34,139.
The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,005 annually, making the $12,718 in typical debt manageable within two years of graduation. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics also produce solid returns at around $50,000 annually. These healthcare tracks align well with Winston-Salem's medical job market, anchored by Wake Forest Baptist Health and Novant Health systems.
However, you face significant completion risk at this school. Nearly three out of four students never graduate, which means no degree and often still carrying debt. The automotive program shows this challenge clearly with graduates earning just $34,526 despite completing their studies.
This school works best if you have clear career goals in nursing or healthcare support roles and can commit fully to finishing your program. The low net price of $6,342 annually keeps your financial exposure limited, but only if you actually graduate.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or lack certainty about your career direction. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college-level work or balancing studies with other responsibilities.
Financial aid covers 41% of students but merit scholarships are limited at most community colleges. Your best strategy is choosing one of the high-earning healthcare programs and using every available support service to ensure you complete your degree rather than becoming part of the 72% who leave without credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forsyth Technical Community College worth the cost?
Forsyth Tech offers decent value for career-focused programs, with low tuition at $6,342 annually and manageable debt of $10,000. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $34,139 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Forsyth Technical Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Forsyth Tech, with registered nursing graduates earning $56,005 and dental support services at $50,856. These healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Forsyth Technical Community College graduates have?
Forsyth Tech graduates carry a median debt of $10,000, which is relatively low for higher education. The bigger concern is the 28% graduation rate, meaning most students leave without completing their programs.
Do Forsyth Technical Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates in healthcare fields do well, but overall earnings average $34,139 ten years after starting school. This reflects the mix of programs and the fact that many students don't graduate.