At $7,336/yr net price, John C Calhoun State Community College graduates earn $38,192/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,192/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,336 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,192/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,192/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,476/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,422/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,883/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,149/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,108/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 | $46,730 | $13,734 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,794 | $11,024 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,124 | $9,689 |
The Risk Factor
40.8% of students at John C Calhoun State 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
John C Calhoun State Community College offers decent financial returns for a community college, but your program choice makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $46,730 annually against just $13,734 in debt, delivering strong ROI in Alabama's healthcare job market. Industrial production technologies also pay well at $45,794 with lower debt of $11,024, reflecting demand in the region's manufacturing sector.
Business administration graduates face weaker prospects at $33,993 in median earnings, barely above the overall school median. With a 40% graduation rate, you face real completion risk that could leave you with debt but no credential. The $12,000 median debt load stays manageable compared to four-year schools, but only if you actually graduate.
This school works best if you target healthcare or technical fields where local demand is strong. The low net price of $7,336 annually makes it accessible, though only 31% of students receive financial aid. You should have backup plans given the graduation rate, and avoid programs without clear career paths in north Alabama's job market.
Skip John C Calhoun if you want broad career options or plan to transfer to a four-year program later. The school serves students best when they know exactly what technical skill they want and can commit to finishing the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John C Calhoun State Community College worth the money?
John C Calhoun State Community College offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $46,730 annually. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and general business programs show lower returns at $33,993.
What programs at John C Calhoun State Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing and allied health programs at John C Calhoun State Community College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $42,000-$47,000 annually. Industrial production technology also shows solid outcomes at $45,794, while business administration lags behind at $33,993.
How much debt do John C Calhoun State Community College graduates typically have?
John C Calhoun State Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable for healthcare programs but represents a higher burden for lower-paying fields like business administration.
What is the graduation rate at John C Calhoun State Community College?
Only 41% of students graduate from John C Calhoun State Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making program choice and academic preparation critical for success.