At $4,073/yr net price, Halifax Community College graduates earn $31,644/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,073 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,644/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,356/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,515/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,800/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,847/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 | $52,941 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at Halifax Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Halifax Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. At $4,073 annually, your costs stay manageable, but the 41% graduation rate means nearly six in ten students leave without completing their program.
Nursing graduates earn $52,941 within ten years, making this program an excellent investment that pays back your costs within the first year of work. Dental support services also perform well at $46,087 annually. However, health administration graduates earn just $20,140, barely above minimum wage and insufficient to justify even this low-cost education.
Your biggest risk is not graduating. With completion rates below 42%, you face significant odds of walking away with debt but no credential. The school serves rural northeastern North Carolina, where job opportunities remain limited outside healthcare facilities.
You should choose Halifax if you can commit to nursing or dental programs and need affordable training close to home. The nursing program offers solid career prospects in a region with aging demographics and healthcare demand. Avoid this school if you're uncertain about your major or considering programs outside healthcare.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, suggesting either limited need-based assistance or that most students pay the low sticker price out of pocket. Your best strategy involves completing your program quickly and focusing on healthcare fields where regional employers actively hire graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halifax Community College worth the cost?
Halifax Community College offers strong value for nursing and dental programs, with graduates earning $46,000-53,000 annually against a low net cost of $4,073 per year. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and non-healthcare programs show weaker returns.
What are the highest paying programs at Halifax Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $53,000 annually, followed by dental support services at $46,000. Health administration graduates earn significantly less at $20,000, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Halifax Community College graduates have?
With a net price of $4,073 per year, students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. The low cost makes Halifax Community College accessible, but the 41% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing.
Do Halifax Community College graduates get good jobs?
Healthcare program graduates from Halifax Community College typically find stable employment with decent wages, especially in nursing and dental fields. Other programs show mixed results, with some graduates earning below $32,000 ten years after enrollment.