Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $35,386
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
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 | $53,262 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,295 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,126 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,532 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,869 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $23,803 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $20,687 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,891 |
Outcomes Overview
Gaston College graduates earn a median of $35,386 ten years after enrollment, while facing minimal debt since the federal loan rate is 0.00%. This creates an strongly strong debt-to-earnings scenario for community college standards. The 95.1% employment rate reflects the college's focus on practical workforce training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business technology that serve the Charlotte metro area's growing economy. With 99.20% of students coming from North Carolina, most graduates stay local where these median earnings provide solid purchasing power in smaller communities around Dallas. The combination of virtually no student debt and strong job placement delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.