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 is cheap to attend, and that low cost is the whole ROI case here. At around $5,260 a year, you spend far less than at a four-year school, and median earnings ten years out land near $34,663. That is a modest return in dollars, but the small price tag keeps the math working because you are not borrowing much to get there.
Nursing is where the money is. The associate nursing track pays roughly $49,588, about $21,000 more per year than criminal justice at $28,598. If you come here, nursing is the program that turns this cheap degree into real earnings. criminal justice pays close to the school's overall median and leaves you near where you started. Pick your program deliberately, because the gap between these two is the difference between a strong payoff and a break-even one.
The main risk is finishing. Fewer than half of students graduate, so you carry the cost and time without the credential if you drop off. In a rural western North Carolina town like Spruce Pine, the nursing degree ties directly to local hospital and clinic demand, which is what makes it worth completing.
On price by income, the tiers barely move until you hit higher earners. If your family makes under $75,000, you pay roughly $5,000 a year, and aid holds the cost steady across those brackets. Over $110,000, you pay about $10,806, double the low-income figure but still cheap for a credential.
This school fits you if you want the nursing program or a low-cost start before transferring. Look elsewhere if you want criminal justice as a career endpoint, since the earnings there do not clear the local median by much.
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.