At $5,260/yr net price, Mayland Community College graduates earn $34,663/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $663/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,260 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,663/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$663/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 31.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,033/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,252/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,973/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,314/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,806/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 | $49,588 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at Mayland 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
Mayland Community College offers solid financial returns for students who complete their programs, though your success depends heavily on which path you choose. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning nearly $50,000 annually,nearly double the overall median for the school.
Your biggest risk at Mayland is not finishing your degree. With a graduation rate below 50%, many students invest time and money without earning credentials. This risk hits hardest if you struggle with the rural location or need extensive support services that may be limited at a smaller community college.
Criminal justice graduates face tougher financial prospects, earning less than $29,000 annually. If you're considering this field, research local law enforcement and corrections job availability in western North Carolina carefully before committing.
The low net price of $5,260 works in your favor, creating manageable debt loads even if earnings remain modest. However, only about a quarter of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited grant opportunities beyond basic federal programs.
Mayland makes financial sense if you live locally and can complete a high-demand program like nursing. The school serves its rural region well for students seeking practical skills training without relocating. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student services, want access to four-year programs, or plan to study fields with weak regional job markets. The combination of low costs and strong nursing outcomes creates good value, but only if you can handle the completion challenge that trips up half of all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mayland Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $5,260 per year, Mayland Community College offers reasonable tuition, but graduates earn only $34,663 after 10 years. The low earnings make the ROI weaker than many four-year programs, though the nursing program shows better financial returns.
What programs at Mayland Community College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Mayland Community College lead to the highest earnings at around $49,588 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $28,598, making it a riskier financial choice.
How likely am I to graduate from Mayland Community College?
Mayland Community College has a 48.60% graduation rate, meaning about half of students complete their programs. This below-average completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without getting a degree.
Should I attend Mayland Community College if I need financial aid?
The low net price of $5,260 makes Mayland Community College affordable for most students. However, the modest post-graduation earnings mean you should carefully consider your program choice and career goals before enrolling.