At $4,477/yr net price, Nash Community College graduates earn $34,912/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $912/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,912/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$912/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,060/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,737/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,386/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,651/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 | $55,964 | $11,332 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $43,575 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,536 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,808 | $8,665 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at Nash 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
Nash Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs. At under $4,500 annually, the school offers one of the most affordable pathways to career training in North Carolina.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $55,964 annually against just $11,332 in debt. This represents excellent value in a high-demand field with strong job prospects in the Rocky Mount region. Electrical and power transmission programs also deliver solid returns at $43,575 annually, capitalizing on the area's industrial base.
However, some programs show weaker financial outcomes. Criminal justice graduates earn $32,925, which barely exceeds what many graduates could earn without additional education. Health administration pays even less at $27,536, making the return on investment questionable despite low debt levels.
The 52.5% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Nearly half of students who start never finish, meaning you forfeit time and money without gaining credentials. This makes program selection and academic preparation important before enrolling.
Nash works best for students pursuing specific technical fields with clear career paths, particularly nursing and skilled trades. The school makes less sense if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as many credits may not transfer effectively.
With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay the full sticker price. This actually works in your favor given the low cost, but it means limited scholarship opportunities exist to reduce expenses further. You should view Nash as an affordable stepping stone to immediate employment rather than a broader educational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nash Community College worth the money?
Nash Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $4,477 per year and reasonable debt levels around $11,500. However, the 10-year median earnings of $34,912 are modest, making this worthwhile mainly if you pursue high-paying programs like nursing or electrical work.
What are the best paying majors at Nash Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $55,964, followed by Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at $43,575. Avoid programs like Health and Medical Administrative Services, which only pay $27,536 despite the same time investment.
How much debt do Nash Community College graduates have?
Nash Community College graduates typically leave with $11,500 in debt, which is manageable for a community college. The low annual cost of $4,477 helps keep debt levels reasonable compared to four-year schools.
What is Nash Community College's graduation rate?
Nash Community College has a 52.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This is typical for community colleges but suggests you'll need strong motivation and planning to finish successfully.