At $13,926/yr net price, Guilford Technical Community College graduates earn $33,934/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,926 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,934/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-66/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,901 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,312/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,466/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,698/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,774/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 | $55,211 | $11,577 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,358 | $10,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $45,852 | $19,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | $21,933 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,671 | $13,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $10,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | $18,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,459 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,265 | $10,500 |
The Risk Factor
31.2% of students at Guilford 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
Guilford Technical Community College delivers solid returns in healthcare but struggles with completion rates that undermine value across most programs. The 31% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without credentials, making the $13,926 annual cost risky for many.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating $55,211 in median earnings with just $11,577 in debt. Dental support services also pays off well at $53,358 yearly income. These healthcare programs tap into North Carolina's growing medical sector around the Triad region. Criminal justice graduates earn $45,852 but carry $19,000 in debt, creating a less favorable ratio.
The school's location in Jamestown positions graduates well for manufacturing and healthcare jobs in Greensboro and Winston-Salem, but many programs fail to capitalize on this advantage. With median earnings of just $33,934 across all graduates, most career paths here won't dramatically improve your financial position.
You should consider GTCC if you can commit to completing a high-earning healthcare program and have strong study habits to beat the low graduation odds. The relatively modest debt loads help, but only if you actually finish. Skip this school if you're uncertain about your major or struggle with academic persistence. The financial aid rate of 41% suggests limited scholarship opportunities, so plan to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Focus on nursing or dental programs if you enroll here. Everything else carries significant risk given the poor completion rates and modest earning potential in the regional job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guilford Technical Community College worth the money?
Guilford Technical Community College offers decent value for students who complete high-paying programs like nursing ($55,211 median earnings) or dental services ($53,358). However, with a 31% graduation rate and $33,934 average earnings across all programs, many students struggle to finish or see strong returns on their $13,926 annual investment.
What are the best paying programs at Guilford Technical Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $55,211 median earnings, followed by dental support services at $53,358. HVAC technology ($41,193) and allied health programs ($42,123) also pay above the school average, while criminal justice graduates earn $45,852.
How much debt do Guilford Technical Community College graduates have?
Students graduate with a median debt of $14,901, which is manageable for high-earning programs like nursing but problematic for lower-paying fields. The debt-to-income ratio works out better for healthcare and skilled trades than for other programs.
What is the graduation rate at Guilford Technical Community College?
Only 31% of students graduate from Guilford Technical Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no credential, making the financial risk higher than the published costs suggest.