At $3,376/yr net price, Hazard Community and Technical College graduates earn $29,868/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,376 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,868/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,132/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,740/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,363/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,697/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,308/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,717/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 | $53,775 | $11,888 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,416 | $8,001 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $31,839 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,715 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,869 | $11,517 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $8,986 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $20,140 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $11,234 |
The Risk Factor
47.3% of students at Hazard Community and Technical 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
Hazard Community and Technical College delivers strong financial returns if you choose the right program and finish your degree. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $53,775 annually, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs in Kentucky despite carrying slightly higher debt at $11,888.
Your program choice matters enormously at Hazard. Allied health diagnostic programs produce solid middle-class incomes at $35,416 with manageable debt of $8,001. HVAC training also pays off reasonably at $31,839 annually. However, criminal justice graduates earn just $25,194, barely above the regional average and offering poor return on investment.
The biggest financial risk is the 47% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This makes Hazard suitable primarily for students with clear career goals who can commit to finishing their programs.
At $3,376 annually, Hazard costs significantly less than most colleges, but only 37% of students receive financial aid. This suggests many students pay out of pocket or work while attending. The low sticker price makes it accessible for working adults and those wanting to avoid heavy debt loads.
Hazard works best for eastern Kentucky residents seeking practical healthcare or technical skills training. The nursing program particularly offers strong value for the region. However, if you're uncertain about your major or considering transfer to a four-year school, the completion rates suggest you might struggle here. Students needing extensive academic support should consider other options with stronger retention programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hazard Community and Technical College worth the money?
Hazard Community and Technical College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,376 per year and manageable debt levels around $10,125. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $29,868 are modest, making program choice critical for good ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Hazard Community and Technical College?
Registered nursing programs lead with $53,775 in 10-year earnings, followed by allied health at $35,416 and HVAC technology at $31,839. Criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $25,194, making it a weaker financial choice.
How much debt do Hazard Community and Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $10,125, which is relatively low for higher education. With the school's affordable annual cost of $3,376, most students can minimize borrowing compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Hazard Community and Technical College?
The graduation rate is 47.30%, meaning over half of students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for programs with lower earning potential.