At $2,697/yr net price, George C Wallace Community College-Dothan graduates earn $31,399/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,697 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $10,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,399/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,601/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,527/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,872/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,755/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $2,042/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 | $47,762 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,221 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,467 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $28,381 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,192 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,730 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $14,759 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $11,851 |
The Risk Factor
26.5% of students at George C Wallace Community College-Dothan 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
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan offers strong financial returns for healthcare majors but disappointing outcomes for most other programs. At $2,697 annually, the school costs less than many textbooks at four-year universities, making even modest salary gains worthwhile.
Registered nursing graduates earn $47,762 within ten years, delivering excellent ROI given the low tuition investment. Allied health programs also perform well, with medical assisting services graduates earning $36,221 and diagnostic professions reaching $32,467. These healthcare tracks align with Alabama's growing medical sector and provide clear career pathways.
The concerning 26.5% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. You could lose time and money if you struggle to finish your program. This low completion rate particularly affects students who need extensive academic support or lack clear career direction.
Precision metal working offers solid middle-class earnings at $33,281, reflecting demand from local manufacturing. However, many other programs fail to deliver meaningful salary premiums over high school wages, making careful program selection critical.
This school works best if you have specific career goals in nursing or allied health and can commit to program completion. The low cost means financial risk stays minimal, but the low graduation rate suggests you need strong study habits and clear motivation. Students seeking general education or exploring career options might find better support at four-year institutions, despite higher costs.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the rock-bottom tuition means most aid goes directly toward living expenses rather than tuition bills. Community college students rarely qualify for substantial merit scholarships, but the affordability makes this less important than at expensive private colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George C Wallace Community College-Dothan worth the cost?
With a net price of $2,697 per year, George C Wallace Community College-Dothan offers affordable education, but the low graduation rate of 26.5% means many students don't finish their programs. The average earnings of $31,399 ten years after enrollment are modest, making this primarily worthwhile for students in high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at George C Wallace Community College-Dothan?
Registered nursing graduates earn the highest at $47,762 annually, followed by allied health and medical assisting services at $36,221. Precision metal working also pays well at $33,281, while practical nursing graduates earn $28,381.
How much debt do George C Wallace Community College-Dothan students typically have?
The low annual net price of $2,697 means students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs quickly. However, the 26.5% graduation rate suggests many students may accumulate costs without earning a credential.
Should I attend George C Wallace Community College-Dothan for nursing?
Yes, if you can complete the program successfully. Registered nursing graduates earn $47,762 annually, which provides solid returns on the low tuition cost. The challenge is the school's overall low graduation rate, so students need strong commitment to finish.