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 runs cheap, and that shapes everything about its financial return. You pay a low net price and borrow little, so even the school's modest median earnings of about $30,000 leave you with manageable risk. The problem is not debt. The problem is that most paths here land you near entry-level pay, and one program towers over the rest.
Nursing is the reason to come. The associate degree in registered nursing pays roughly $54,000, nearly double the school's median and about $18,000 more than the next-best program, allied health. If you can get into and finish nursing, the math works decisively in your favor, and Kentucky hospitals and clinics hire these graduates. The HVAC certificate and vehicle maintenance associate also point to steady regional trade work in the low-$30,000s and high-$20,000s.
The weaker bets are clear. Criminal justice at around $25,000 and vehicle maintenance sit below the school's own median earnings, so you'd carry debt for a credential that pays like the jobs available without it. If those fields draw you, know you're choosing the low end of the earnings list here.
The specific risk is the 47% graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish, and a nursing program you don't complete gives you the debt without the $54,000 payoff. That gap between dropping out and finishing is the real financial fork at this school.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, and the tiers stay low through the middle range. If your family earns over $110,000, your net price roughly triples, though it stays low in absolute dollars for a college. This school fits you if you're local, cost-sensitive, and aiming at nursing or a trade. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or a criminal justice career worth the tuition.
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.