At $3,946/yr net price, Johnston Community College graduates earn $37,310/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,310/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,946 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,310/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,310/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,095/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,485/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,270/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,447/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 | $55,964 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,597 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,250 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $27,295 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,222 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $22,329 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,834 |
The Risk Factor
28.8% of students at Johnston 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
Johnston Community College delivers solid financial returns for healthcare students but offers limited upside for most other majors. At under $4,000 per year, the low cost makes even modest salary gains worthwhile, but your program choice determines whether you'll see meaningful income growth.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $55,964 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at nearly $50,000. These healthcare tracks justify the investment and connect directly to North Carolina's growing medical sector. However, the 29% graduation rate means many students never reach these outcomes.
Business administration and criminal justice programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning under $30,000 annually. Ground transportation programs fall in the middle but may offer faster job placement in the logistics-heavy Research Triangle region.
You face significant completion risk here. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs, leaving them with debt but no credential. This risk hits hardest if you're unprepared for college-level work or lack strong study habits.
Johnston works best for career changers seeking specific technical skills, particularly in healthcare. The low cost also makes it viable for students testing their interest in higher education without major financial exposure. However, if you're aiming for bachelor's degree transfer, schools with stronger academic support might serve you better.
With only 23% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return on this relatively small investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnston Community College worth the money?
At $3,946 per year, Johnston Community College offers good value if you complete a nursing program, which leads to $55,964 average earnings. However, the 28.8% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for those who struggle with completion.
What are the best paying programs at Johnston Community College?
Nursing programs at Johnston Community College pay the most at $55,964 annually, followed by allied health at $49,597. Business and criminal justice programs only lead to around $29,000, which barely exceeds the $37,310 overall graduate average.
How much debt do Johnston Community College graduates have?
With a net price of $3,946 per year, Johnston Community College students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year schools. The low cost makes it a safer choice even if career earnings remain modest.
Do Johnston Community College graduates get good jobs?
Johnston Community College nursing graduates do well with $55,964 average earnings, but other programs lag behind. The 28.8% graduation rate suggests many students drop out before gaining job-ready skills.