At $5,116/yr net price, Lenoir Community College graduates earn $33,866/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,116 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,866/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-134/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,860/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,277/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,948/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,056/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 | $58,673 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,026 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,340 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at Lenoir 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
Lenoir Community College delivers strong returns for specific career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. At $5,116 annually, the low net price makes even modest earnings gains worthwhile, but you need to choose your program carefully.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $59,000 in median earnings that justify the investment many times over. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $45,000, putting graduates in decent financial position. These healthcare pathways align with North Carolina's growing medical sector and the aging population in eastern regions.
Liberal arts graduates face concerning prospects with median earnings of just $16,169, barely above minimum wage work. This represents poor value even at community college prices. Health administration falls into a middle tier at $23,340, offering modest returns but limited upward mobility.
The 28% graduation rate signals completion risk that could leave you with debt but no credential. You face higher dropout odds than at most community colleges, making program selection even more critical. Financial aid reaches only 42% of students, suggesting many pay full price despite the low sticker cost.
Lenoir works best if you target nursing or allied health programs and can handle the completion challenges. The school serves eastern North Carolina's rural economy, where healthcare jobs offer stability but other opportunities remain limited. Skip this option if you want liberal arts education or need extensive student support services to finish your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lenoir Community College worth the money?
Lenoir Community College offers strong value for nursing and health programs, with graduates earning $45,000-$58,000 annually against a low $5,116 yearly cost. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, and liberal arts graduates average just $16,169 per year.
What are the best paying programs at Lenoir Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $58,673 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $45,026. Avoid liberal arts programs, which average only $16,169 per year after graduation.
How much debt do Lenoir Community College students graduate with?
With a net price of $5,116 per year, students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs quickly. The low cost makes Lenoir Community College one of the more affordable options for healthcare training in North Carolina.
Why is Lenoir Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 28% of students graduate, which is concerning even for a community college. This means most students either transfer elsewhere or drop out without completing their credentials, making program completion a significant risk factor.