At $4,304/yr net price, North Central State College graduates earn $38,158/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,158/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,304 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,158/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,158/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,252 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,937/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,088/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,809/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,327/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 | $50,629 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,276 | $10,946 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,488 | $10,650 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
34.2% of students at North Central State 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
North Central State College delivers solid financial value for career-focused students, with a rock-bottom net price of $4,304 annually and manageable debt loads under $11,000 for most programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $50,629 in median earnings with $10,500 in debt. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay off well at $44,276 yearly. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with Ohio's growing medical sector and aging population, giving you strong job security in the Mansfield region.
Criminal justice graduates earn $38,289, which matches the school's overall median but offers fewer advancement opportunities than healthcare. Business majors face the weakest return at just $26,739, making this program a poor financial choice given limited corporate opportunities in the area.
Your biggest risk is the 34% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students don't finish, though the 92% retention rate suggests most who struggle do so early. If you're committed to a healthcare career and can handle the coursework, the odds improve significantly.
This school works best for local students seeking practical healthcare training without massive debt. The low sticker price means you can graduate with minimal borrowing even without significant aid. Skip North Central if you want a traditional four-year experience or plan to work in competitive white-collar fields where the degree recognition matters more than the skills.
Focus on nursing or allied health programs to maximize your investment. Avoid business unless you have specific local connections or plan to transfer elsewhere for your bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central State College worth the money?
North Central State College offers good value with a low net price of $4,304 per year and minimal debt averaging $8,252. However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at North Central State College?
Nursing programs at North Central State College lead to the highest earnings at around $50,629 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $44,276, while business graduates earn considerably less at $26,739.
How much debt do North Central State College graduates have?
North Central State College graduates leave with relatively low debt of $8,252 on average. The low costs help keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year schools.
Do North Central State College graduates get good jobs?
North Central State College graduates earn $38,158 on average 10 years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Career outcomes depend heavily on program choice, with healthcare fields significantly outperforming business programs.