At $3,337/yr net price, Martin Community College graduates earn $26,016/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,337 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $26,016/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-7,984/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,383/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,340/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,483/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,954 |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at Martin 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
Martin Community College delivers weak financial returns with a median graduate earning just $26,016 ten years after enrollment. This puts most graduates barely above minimum wage despite completing their programs.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, with graduates earning $35,954 annually. This represents a significant premium over other programs and reflects strong demand for healthcare workers in eastern North Carolina. Other programs at Martin fail to generate meaningful earnings premiums over what you could earn with just a high school diploma.
The 37.5% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The low 25% of students receiving financial aid suggests either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for substantial aid.
Martin makes financial sense if you're pursuing healthcare training and plan to work in rural North Carolina, where healthcare jobs remain stable. The low annual cost of $3,337 minimizes your financial exposure. However, you should avoid other programs unless you have specific career goals that require the credential.
Consider Martin only if you need the geographic convenience, are committed to healthcare fields, or require the flexibility of a local community college. Students with stronger academic records or broader career ambitions should look at community colleges with higher graduation rates and more diverse high-earning programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Community College worth the cost?
Martin Community College costs $3,337 per year but graduates earn just $26,016 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low cost makes it financially manageable, but the earnings potential is limited outside of specific programs.
What programs at Martin Community College have the best ROI?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates from Martin Community College earn $35,954, significantly higher than the school's overall average of $26,016. These healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment at the college.
What is the graduation rate at Martin Community College?
Martin Community College has a 37.5% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This creates additional financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.
How much debt do Martin Community College students typically have?
With a net price of $3,337 per year, Martin Community College is affordable compared to four-year schools. Students can minimize debt risk, but the low earnings potential means even small amounts of debt can be challenging to repay.