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 gives you a low-cost entry point with one clear payoff and a lot of weak ones. You leave with about $10,483 in median debt, so the downside if a program doesn't land is small. But the median earnings ten years out sit at $35,714, which tells you most paths here do not clear much above what you'd earn without the degree.
The nursing associate is the reason to enroll. At $52,733 a year, it pays roughly double what the business administration track returns, and it's the only program here that turns this credential into a solid living. Dental support and medical lab science land in the high $38,000s, which is decent for a two-year degree. Everything below that is where the math gets uncomfortable. Business administration at $25,194 and medical assisting at $24,035 barely move you, and both trail the school's own median earnings.
The specific risk is the 44% graduation rate. More than half of you won't finish, and an unfinished associate degree still leaves you with debt and no credential to show employers. Nursing also carries the highest debt on the list at $15,750, so if you start that program and drop, you take the biggest loss.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families here. Under $48k, you pay under $4,000 a year. above $110k, you pay nearly $10,000. That gap makes this a strong deal if your family income is modest and a mediocre one if it isn't.
Enroll if you want the nursing, dental, or lab science track and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you're aiming at business or general health support, where the earnings don't justify the time even at this price.
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.