At $6,723/yr net price, Isothermal Community College graduates earn $33,325/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,723 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,325/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-675/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,480/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,105/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,574/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,821/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,282/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 | $57,318 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,461 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,498 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
48.7% of students at Isothermal 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
Isothermal Community College offers solid financial value if you choose the right program, but your major selection will make or break your return on investment. The nursing programs deliver strong outcomes, with registered nurses earning $57,318 annually against a total program cost under $14,000.
Your best financial bets are the technical and healthcare tracks. Electrical and power transmission installer programs produce graduates earning $47,260, while practical nursing leads to $35,060 salaries. These programs align well with regional demand in North Carolina's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Avoid the business administration and criminal justice programs if financial return drives your decision. Both produce median earnings below $30,000, barely justifying even this school's low costs when you factor in opportunity costs and time invested.
The 48.7% graduation rate creates risk for your investment. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, losing both time and money. You need realistic assessment of your commitment level before enrolling.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting specific technical fields rather than those seeking general education or transfer preparation. The low net price of $6,723 makes it accessible, but only one-third of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance.
Consider Isothermal if you live locally and want practical skills training in healthcare or technical trades. Look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services, plan to transfer to a four-year school, or want programs with broader career flexibility. The focused approach works well for motivated students with clear career goals in high-demand fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isothermal Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $6,723 per year and average earnings of $33,325 after 10 years, Isothermal Community College offers reasonable value for students who graduate. However, the 49% graduation rate means about half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Isothermal Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $57,318 annually, making it the highest-paying program at Isothermal Community College. Electrical and power transmission installer programs also pay well at $47,260, while business and criminal justice programs average under $30,000.
How much debt do Isothermal Community College students typically have?
At $6,723 per year, Isothermal Community College is relatively affordable for a two-year program. Most students can complete their education with minimal debt compared to four-year colleges, especially if they qualify for financial aid.
Does Isothermal Community College have good job placement rates?
While specific job placement data isn't available, the low graduation rate of 49% at Isothermal Community College suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Students in nursing and skilled trades programs typically have better employment prospects than those in general business or criminal justice.