At $12,117/yr net price, Harrisburg Area Community College graduates earn $42,007/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,007/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,117 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,007/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,007/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,289/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,375/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,528/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,143/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,636/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 | $59,527 | $21,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,061 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $53,839 | $20,112 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $50,563 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,423 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $44,102 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $42,123 | $13,809 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $40,512 | $18,977 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $39,729 |
The Risk Factor
20.5% of students at Harrisburg Area 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
Harrisburg Area Community College delivers solid financial returns for technical and healthcare programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $59,527 annually against just $21,250 in debt, creating a strong payback timeline that justifies the investment.
Healthcare dominates the high-earning programs here. Dental support services graduates earn $55,061 yearly, while allied health diagnostic programs produce $53,839 earners with manageable $20,112 debt loads. HVAC technicians also perform well at $50,563 annually, reflecting strong demand in Pennsylvania's industrial corridor.
The 20% graduation rate signals your biggest financial risk. Many students accumulate debt without completing their programs, particularly problematic given the $12,117 annual cost. If you struggle with course completion or need extensive remedial work, this pattern could affect you directly.
You face mixed prospects outside healthcare and skilled trades. The overall median earnings of $42,007 suggest many programs fail to generate strong returns, especially liberal arts transfers that require additional bachelor's degree costs elsewhere.
This school works best if you want direct entry into Pennsylvania's healthcare system or skilled trades without relocating. The regional job market supports these technical graduates well. However, if you plan to transfer for a four-year degree, you might find better completion rates and support systems at other community colleges.
With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, you likely pay most costs upfront. The relatively low median debt of $17,500 reflects both the short program length and the fact that many students work while attending part-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg Area Community College worth the cost?
Harrisburg Area Community College offers solid value if you choose the right program and graduate. The nursing and dental programs lead to starting salaries around $55,000-$59,000, making the $12,117 annual cost reasonable, but the 20% graduation rate means many students leave without finishing.
What are the best paying programs at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Nursing programs top the list with graduates earning around $59,527, followed by dental support services at $55,061 and allied health programs at $53,839. HVAC technician training also pays well at $50,563, all significantly above the school's overall graduate average of $42,007.
How much debt do Harrisburg Area Community College students graduate with?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,500, which is manageable if you complete a high-paying program like nursing or dental services. However, students who don't finish still carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs.
What is the graduation rate at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Only 20.5% of students graduate from Harrisburg Area Community College, meaning four out of five students leave without completing their program. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering whether the school is worth attending.