At $4,929/yr net price, Hillsborough Community College graduates earn $40,782/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,782/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,782/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,782/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,762 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,905/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,660/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,485/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,168/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,168/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 | $56,415 | $12,710 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $47,846 | $8,127 |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $12,000 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $40,896 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $38,289 | $5,500 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $31,708 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,771 | $7,306 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,119 | $12,586 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,457 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Hillsborough 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
Hillsborough Community College delivers strong financial value for students who pick the right programs and complete their degrees. With a net price under $5,000 annually and median debt below $10,000, your financial risk stays manageable even if earnings fall short of expectations.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, generating $56,415 in median earnings against $12,710 in debt. Criminal justice also pays well at $47,846, with lower debt of $8,127. Fire protection and allied health programs offer solid middle-class incomes. However, you face a significant completion risk with only 33% of students graduating, meaning two-thirds never see any return on their investment.
Your biggest financial challenge is choosing programs wisely. While the college offers many certificate and degree options, earnings data suggests significant variation in outcomes. The low graduation rate indicates either academic struggles or students transferring before completing programs. Either scenario means you need strong motivation and clear career goals to succeed financially.
This school works best for career-focused students seeking practical training in healthcare, public safety, or technical fields. The Tampa Bay job market supports these programs well, with healthcare and emergency services offering stable employment. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional four-year college experience or need extensive academic support services.
With 42% of students receiving financial aid and already low costs, additional aid can make your education nearly free. Focus on completing your chosen program quickly to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillsborough Community College worth the money?
At $4,929 per year with median debt of only $9,762, Hillsborough Community College offers strong value for specific career programs. Nursing graduates earn $56,415 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Hillsborough Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with $56,415 average earnings, followed by Criminal Justice at $47,846 and Ophthalmic/Optometric Support at $47,260. These programs justify the costs, while other fields may not provide strong returns.
How much debt do Hillsborough Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,762, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 33% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Do Hillsborough Community College graduates get good jobs?
Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn $40,782 on average. This varies widely by program, with nursing and criminal justice offering solid career prospects while other fields lag behind.