At $5,761/yr net price, Mitchell Community College graduates earn $33,298/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,761 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,298/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-702/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,152/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,518/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,593/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,158/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 | $48,265 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,625 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,703 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $8,846 |
The Risk Factor
16.4% of students at Mitchell 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
Mitchell Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median graduate earning just $33,298 ten years after enrollment despite completing programs at a regional public college.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, generating $48,265 in median earnings that justify the investment. This aligns with strong healthcare demand in the Charlotte metropolitan area where many Mitchell graduates find work. Business administration produces modest returns at $26,625, while liberal arts graduates earn barely above minimum wage at $21,703.
Criminal justice graduates face particularly weak prospects with $20,140 median earnings, reflecting limited law enforcement opportunities in rural North Carolina. Cosmetology students see devastating returns at just $8,846 annually, making this program financially destructive for most who complete it.
The college's 16% graduation rate signals serious completion risks that compound poor earnings potential. Most students either drop out or struggle to finish programs, making even low-cost education a poor bet when you factor in lost time and opportunity costs.
You should consider Mitchell only if you plan to enter nursing and can handle the program's academic demands. The school works for older students seeking specific job training in healthcare while working locally. Students considering general studies, criminal justice, or cosmetology should look elsewhere or reconsider whether college fits their goals.
With only 21% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price of $5,761. The low aid percentage suggests limited scholarship opportunities, though the modest cost makes the school accessible without significant borrowing for most North Carolina residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell Community College worth the money?
Mitchell Community College offers a low net price of $5,761 per year, but graduates earn only $33,298 annually after 10 years. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing graduates earning $48,265 while cosmetology graduates average just $8,846.
What are the best paying programs at Mitchell Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Mitchell Community College, with graduates earning $48,265 annually. Business Administration follows at $26,625, while programs like Criminal Justice ($20,140) and Cosmetology ($8,846) offer much lower returns.
What is the graduation rate at Mitchell Community College?
Mitchell Community College has a 16.4% graduation rate, which is quite low even for community colleges. This means most students don't complete their programs, making the ROI calculation less reliable for individual outcomes.
Should I avoid certain programs at Mitchell Community College?
Cosmetology at Mitchell Community College leads to average earnings of just $8,846, barely above minimum wage despite program costs. Liberal Arts graduates earn $21,703, which may not justify even the low tuition if you need to transfer elsewhere to complete a bachelor's degree.