At $5,063/yr net price, Henderson Community College graduates earn $35,714/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,714/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,063 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,714/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,714/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,483 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,636/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,882/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,490/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,349/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,930/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 | $52,733 | $15,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $9,126 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Henderson 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
Henderson Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for most other programs. Your net cost of roughly $5,000 annually makes this one of Kentucky's more affordable options, though the 44% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $52,733 annually against $15,750 in debt. Dental support services and clinical lab science also produce respectable $38,289 salaries. However, business administration graduates earn just $25,194, barely above the poverty line for a family of four, while allied health and medical assisting programs yield even lower returns at $24,035.
Your biggest risk lies in program selection. Choose anything outside healthcare and your earning potential drops dramatically relative to even this school's low costs. The relatively low graduation rate compounds this risk since you might accumulate debt without completing your credential.
Henderson works well if you need nursing training close to home and want to minimize debt. The program's strong salary outcomes justify the slightly higher borrowing required. You should look elsewhere if you're considering business or general studies programs, where the same time investment could yield better returns at other institutions.
With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly to minimize living expenses, since the low tuition already keeps direct costs manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henderson Community College worth the cost?
Henderson Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,063 annually and modest debt of around $10,500. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $35,714 after 10 years are below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at Henderson Community College?
Nursing programs at Henderson Community College lead to the highest earnings at $52,733 annually, making them the clear best investment. Dental and lab science programs earn around $38,000, while business and medical assisting programs pay significantly less at $24,000-25,000.
How much student debt do Henderson Community College graduates have?
Henderson Community College graduates typically leave with $10,483 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost helps keep debt reasonable, but earnings potential varies dramatically by program.
What is the graduation rate at Henderson Community College?
Henderson Community College has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's overall value.