At $6,838/yr net price, McDowell Technical Community College graduates earn $33,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,838 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,913/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,158/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,399/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 | $55,512 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,821 |
The Risk Factor
57.1% of students at McDowell Technical 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
McDowell Technical Community College costs under $7,000 a year net, and its median earnings ten years out sit at $33,035. That gap between low cost and modest pay defines the school. You are not going to get rich here, but you are also not taking on much risk to attend, and the 57% graduation rate is decent for a two-year school.
The financial return depends almost entirely on what you study. Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pays $55,512, which is more than $22,000 above the school's median and enough to make the cost of attendance trivial by comparison. The practical nursing certificate at $40,821 pays well too, and it takes less time and money to finish. If you enroll here and pick either nursing track, the math works strongly in your favor.
Outside of nursing, the picture is weaker. The school's overall median of $33,035 tells you that the typical graduate earns close to what non-nursing programs pay, and that number is barely above what many jobs pay without any degree. If you are not going into nursing, you should be clear-eyed that a credential here may not move your earnings much.
The main financial risk is choosing a program that lands you near that $33,035 median while still spending two years out of the workforce. The low price limits the damage, but low cost does not guarantee a return.
On net price, families earning $30k to $48k actually pay the least, around $5,158, less than families earning under $30k. If your family earns $48k to $75k, you pay the most at $8,399. This school fits you well if you want nursing or a cheap regional credential close to home. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree or higher earning ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McDowell Technical Community College worth the cost?
McDowell Technical Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,838 per year, but graduates earn only $33,035 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide much better returns, with RN graduates earning $55,512, making the investment worthwhile for healthcare-focused students.
What are the highest paying programs at McDowell Technical Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with $55,512 average earnings, followed by Practical Nursing at $40,821. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $33,035 and justify the tuition costs.
How much debt do McDowell Technical Community College students typically have?
With a net price of $6,838 per year, students face relatively low costs compared to four-year colleges. However, the 57% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Do McDowell Technical Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduate outcomes vary significantly by program at McDowell Technical Community College. Nursing graduates earn well above average, but the overall graduate median of $33,035 is modest for the region.