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 gives you a low-risk financial bet if you pick the right program. With median debt of $10,500 against $49,020 in median earnings a decade out, you're not borrowing much and you're clearing a reasonable wage for a two-year credential in the Columbia, Maryland area.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here. At $61,144 a year, it out-earns the general liberal arts track by more than $36,000. That gap is the whole story of this school. The allied health diagnostic program lands close behind. Both feed directly into the health systems around Baltimore and Washington, and both carry real earning power even though they cost you more debt , roughly $17,000 to $19,000 versus $9,500 for liberal arts.
The liberal arts and general studies path is the financial trap. Earnings of $24,228 barely clear part-time or entry-level wages, and you'd stall out unless you transfer to a four-year school and finish a bachelor's. Treat it as a transfer stepping stone, not an endpoint. If you stop after the associate degree, the money doesn't work.
The biggest risk is completion. Only about a quarter of students graduate. If you drop out with debt and no credential, you get the loans without the earnings bump. That risk hits the liberal arts track hardest, where the payoff already depends on more schooling.
Net price barely moves by income, running from about $9,000 for families under $30k to under $15,000 at the top. Lower-income families don't get a dramatically better deal here, but the absolute cost stays modest across the board.
This school fits you if you enroll in nursing or allied health and finish. Look elsewhere, or plan firmly to transfer, if liberal arts is your only plan.
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.