At $3,852/yr net price, James Sprunt Community College graduates earn $29,307/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,852 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,307/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,693/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,336/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,651/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,517/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,480/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 | $54,435 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,312 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $17,310 |
The Risk Factor
38.9% of students at James Sprunt 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
James Sprunt Community College offers decent financial value for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The low annual net price of under $4,000 makes this one of the most affordable educational options in North Carolina.
Your program choice will determine whether this investment pays off. Nursing graduates earn $54,435 annually, making it the clear winner financially and justifying the relatively low completion costs. Criminal justice graduates see moderate returns at $32,925, which provides reasonable value given the minimal upfront investment.
Liberal arts and education programs present financial challenges. Liberal arts graduates earn just $21,312 annually, while education majors earn $17,310. These low salaries mean even the affordable tuition may not generate strong returns, particularly if you need additional schooling to reach career goals.
The 39% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you lose your investment entirely. This school works best for students with clear career focus and strong study habits who can handle to completion.
James Sprunt makes financial sense for career-focused students entering nursing or criminal justice who need affordable training close to home. The school serves rural eastern North Carolina, where lower living costs help stretch graduate earnings further. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or plan to pursue liberal arts or education without clear transfer plans to a four-year institution.
With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. The low sticker price means most students can afford attendance without significant borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James Sprunt Community College worth the cost?
James Sprunt Community College offers decent value at $3,852 per year, but graduates earn just $29,307 annually after 10 years. The nursing program justifies the cost with $54,435 average earnings, while liberal arts and education majors struggle with low returns.
What are the best paying programs at James Sprunt Community College?
Registered nursing graduates from James Sprunt Community College earn the highest salaries at $54,435 annually. Criminal justice majors earn $32,925, but liberal arts ($21,312) and education ($17,310) programs offer poor financial returns.
How much debt do James Sprunt Community College students graduate with?
At $3,852 per year, James Sprunt Community College keeps costs low for a two-year degree. However, the 38.9% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their program.
Do James Sprunt Community College graduates get good jobs?
James Sprunt Community College graduates in nursing find solid career prospects with above-average pay. Other programs struggle, with most graduates earning below $30,000 annually, which limits career advancement opportunities.