At $10,225/yr net price, Howard Community College graduates earn $49,020/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,020/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,225 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,020/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,020/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,076/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,837/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 | $61,144 | $17,434 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,512 | $19,200 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,228 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
26.4% of students at Howard 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
Howard Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with $61,144 median earnings against $17,434 in debt, creating a strong 3.5-to-1 earnings-to-debt ratio that justifies the investment for healthcare careers.
Allied health programs also perform well at $55,512 annually, though the $19,200 debt load requires careful consideration. These technical programs align with Maryland's strong healthcare job market and provide clear pathways to middle-class incomes without the extended time commitment of four-year degrees.
Liberal arts transfers present a financial risk. At $24,228 median earnings with $9,500 in debt, you're essentially paying to earn less than many entry-level positions. This reflects the reality that associate degrees in general studies carry limited market value without additional credentials.
The 26% graduation rate signals completion challenges that affect your investment timeline. Low aid participation at 28% means most students pay closer to full price, making program choice critical for return on investment.
Howard Community College makes financial sense if you're targeting specific career programs like nursing or allied health. The school's location in Columbia provides access to Baltimore and Washington DC job markets, boosting earning potential for technical graduates. However, if you're planning to transfer for a bachelor's degree or exploring general studies, consider whether the completion risks and modest outcomes justify the $10,225 annual cost. Focus on programs with clear career outcomes rather than exploratory coursework that may not lead to degree completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howard Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Howard Community College offers decent value with a net price of $10,225 per year and typical debt of just $10,500. However, the 26% graduation rate is concerning and graduates earn a median of $49,020 after 10 years, which is modest for the DC metro area cost of living.
What are the best paying programs at Howard Community College?
Nursing programs at Howard Community College provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $61,144 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $55,512, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,228.
How much debt do Howard Community College students typically graduate with?
Howard Community College students graduate with relatively low debt of $10,500 on average. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earnings compared to four-year institutions.
Should I choose Howard Community College if I'm unsure about my major?
Howard Community College's low graduation rate of 26% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. If you're undecided on a career path, focus on the nursing or allied health tracks where graduates actually see decent earnings.