At $3,568/yr net price, Gadsden State Community College graduates earn $32,937/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,568 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,937/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,063/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,995/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,725/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,678/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,621/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,162/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 | $51,844 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,649 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $35,952 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,174 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,126 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Gadsden State 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
Gadsden State Community College delivers strong financial returns if you choose the right program and actually graduate. With a net price under $3,600 annually, the school offers one of the most affordable pathways to career training in Alabama.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $51,844 annually. Heavy equipment maintenance and electrical technology programs also pay well, with earnings in the mid-40s that justify the investment quickly. These technical programs align well with northeast Alabama's manufacturing and healthcare job market.
The major risk lies in the 32% graduation rate. You face real odds of spending money without completing your credential. The school works best for students who can commit fully to their studies and have strong academic preparation.
Liberal arts and general studies programs show weaker returns, as expected for transfer-focused degrees. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school, factor in those additional costs when calculating your total investment.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and with such low base costs, many qualify for grants that cover most expenses. Your biggest financial strategy should focus on program selection and completion rather than aid optimization.
This school makes financial sense for career-focused students targeting high-demand technical fields, especially nursing and industrial trades. Skip it if you want a traditional college experience or lack clear career direction. The low cost means limited risk, but only if you actually finish your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gadsden State Community College worth the cost?
At $3,568 per year with graduates earning $32,937 after 10 years, Gadsden State offers decent value for a community college. The low cost makes it financially accessible, though the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Gadsden State Community College?
Nursing programs at Gadsden State lead to the highest earnings at $51,844 annually, followed by heavy equipment maintenance ($46,087) and electrical engineering technology ($44,170). These technical and healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's average graduate earnings.
How much debt do Gadsden State Community College graduates have?
With a net price of only $3,568 per year, Gadsden State students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year institutions. The low cost structure makes it one of the more affordable higher education options in Alabama.
What is the graduation rate at Gadsden State Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate from Gadsden State Community College. This low completion rate means most students either transfer to other schools or leave without finishing their programs, which affects the school's overall value proposition.