At $5,586/yr net price, Laurel Ridge Community College graduates earn $41,000/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,000/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,586 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,000/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,000/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,461/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,867/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,034/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,676/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,197/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 | $55,383 | $16,824 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $43,426 | $5,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $35,954 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $29,141 | $7,101 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,768 | $9,297 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
38.8% of students at Laurel Ridge 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
Laurel Ridge Community College delivers solid financial returns if you choose the right program, but the low graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $55,383 annually despite carrying $16,824 in debt. Allied health diagnostic programs offer another strong path at $43,426 with manageable $5,500 debt loads.
Computer science graduates face a reality check, earning just $35,954 despite the field's reputation for higher pay. This reflects the rural Virginia job market where tech opportunities remain limited. Biological sciences and health administration programs deliver disappointing returns under $30,000 annually, making the debt burden questionable for these career paths.
The 38.8% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The $5,586 annual net price looks affordable, but only if you actually finish.
You should consider Laurel Ridge if you plan to enter nursing or allied health and can commit to program completion. The school works best for local students who can live at home and have clear career goals in healthcare. Skip this option if you want computer science training, prefer four-year degree preparation, or lack strong motivation to finish what you start.
Financial aid reaches only 17.88% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs and maximize your return on this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel Ridge Community College worth the money?
Laurel Ridge offers good value for nursing and healthcare programs, with graduates earning $55,000+ annually. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and non-healthcare programs typically lead to lower-paying jobs around $29,000-$36,000.
What are the best paying majors at Laurel Ridge Community College?
Registered Nursing graduates from Laurel Ridge earn about $55,000 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Allied Health programs pay around $43,000, while computer science graduates earn about $36,000.
How much debt do Laurel Ridge Community College students graduate with?
Laurel Ridge graduates carry a median debt of $9,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $5,586 helps keep debt down, though only 39% of students actually graduate.
Does Laurel Ridge Community College have a good return on investment?
ROI depends heavily on your program choice at Laurel Ridge. Nursing students see strong returns with $55,000 salaries, but other programs may not justify even the low $5,586 annual cost given the poor graduation rates.