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 keeps your upfront cost low, and that changes the whole ROI math. At under $3,600 a year, your total investment stays small enough that even modest earnings can pay it back. The problem is what happens after: the median graduate earns roughly $33,000 ten years out, and the 32% graduation rate means most people who enroll never finish.
Your program choice does the heavy lifting here. Nursing is the clear winner, paying about $52,000 and putting distance between itself and everything else on the list. Heavy equipment maintenance and electrical engineering technology both clear $44,000, which reflects real demand for skilled trades around Gadsden's industrial base. These three carry the school. The precision metalworking certificate lands near $36,000, still above the school-wide median and cheap to complete.
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs pay about $39,000, respectable but the weakest of the associate options listed. If you drift into general studies or a program not on this earnings list, you have no data promising you'll beat the $33,000 median, and that median sits close to what many jobs pay without any degree at all.
The real financial risk is not debt, it's failing to graduate. Two out of three students leave without a credential, and the trades and nursing payoffs only apply if you actually finish and get licensed or certified.
Net price barely moves across income brackets, staying near $3,000 to $5,700, so families under $48,000 pay the least and everyone pays little. This school fits you if you commit to nursing or a trade and finish. If you're unsure what you want to study or won't complete the program, the low price won't save you from a weak return.
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.