At $9,953/yr net price, Harford Community College graduates earn $44,608/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,608/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,953 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,812 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,608/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,608/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,812 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,727/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,918/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,735/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,892/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,283/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 | $58,582 | $10,026 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,019 | $10,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,482 | $8,718 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $9,167 |
The Risk Factor
38.4% of students at Harford 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
Harford Community College delivers strong returns for nursing students but poor outcomes for most other programs. The registered nursing program produces graduates earning $58,582 annually with minimal debt at $10,026, creating one of the best ROI scenarios you'll find at any community college.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $9,167 annually, making it nearly impossible to justify even the low $9,953 annual cost. Liberal Arts and Humanities majors fare only slightly better at $20,482, barely doubling the program cost despite carrying $8,718 in debt.
The 38% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely. If you're not committed to finishing, you risk losing both time and money with nothing to show for it.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the competitive admission requirements. The healthcare job market in the Baltimore-Washington corridor supports strong nursing salaries, making the modest debt load worthwhile. You should look elsewhere if you're interested in creative fields or undecided about your major.
The low 22% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, but the affordable tuition keeps costs manageable. Maryland residents get additional value through state funding that keeps tuition well below national averages.
Skip Harford if you're considering it as a stepping stone to a four-year degree without a clear transfer plan. The weak outcomes in general studies suggest you'd be better served at a school with stronger transfer partnerships or choosing a direct career program with proven earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harford Community College worth the money?
Harford Community College offers decent value for students who complete nursing programs, which lead to median earnings of $58,582. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, and liberal arts graduates earn just $20,482 annually.
What is the return on investment for Harford Community College?
The ROI varies dramatically by program at Harford Community College. Nursing graduates see strong returns with $58,582 median earnings, while design and applied arts graduates earn only $9,167 annually against a $9,953 yearly cost.
How much debt do Harford Community College students graduate with?
Harford Community College graduates have a median debt of $9,812, which is manageable for nursing graduates but potentially problematic for those in lower-paying fields like liberal arts or design programs.
Which programs at Harford Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs at Harford Community College offer the strongest career outcomes with median earnings of $58,582. Business and allied health programs provide moderate returns around $28,000 annually.