At $10,666/yr net price, Northampton County Area Community College graduates earn $41,566/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,566/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,666 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,566/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,566/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,495 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,432/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,833/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,938/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,596/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,777/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 | $61,728 | $19,223 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | $19,253 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $45,277 | $16,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,960 | $22,200 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,719 | $15,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,896 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,421 | $17,500 |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Northampton County Area 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
Northampton County Area Community College delivers solid returns for specific career tracks but struggles with completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $61,728 in median earnings against $19,223 in debt, making it one of the stronger community college nursing programs in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region.
Allied health programs consistently outperform the college average, with diagnostic and treatment professions earning $52,107 annually and dental support services reaching $45,277. These programs align well with the region's healthcare job market, anchored by major employers like Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network.
The college's 21% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you're left with debt and no credential. This low completion rate suggests weak academic support systems or mismatched student preparation levels.
Vehicle maintenance programs offer decent returns at $39,369 without heavy debt loads, benefiting from Pennsylvania's automotive service demand. However, funeral service programs underperform at $33,993, barely exceeding what you could earn without college credentials.
You should consider NCACC if you're targeting nursing or allied health careers and can commit to completion. The college works best for students who need flexible scheduling while working, given its commuter-focused design serving the Bethlehem-Allentown area.
Skip this college if you're exploring general liberal arts or undecided about career direction. The low graduation rate combined with limited transfer support makes it a poor choice for students planning to continue to four-year degrees. Community colleges with stronger completion rates offer better financial protection for uncertain students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northampton County Area Community College worth the cost?
For nursing and healthcare programs, yes - nursing graduates earn around $61,728 annually. For most other programs, the ROI is weak with overall graduate earnings of $41,566 compared to a $10,666 annual cost.
What are the best paying programs at Northampton County Area Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $61,728 annually, followed by allied health diagnostics at $52,107 and dental support services at $45,277. Vehicle repair and funeral service programs pay significantly less.
How much debt do Northampton County Area Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $15,495, which is manageable if you complete a high-paying program like nursing. However, with only a 21% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Northampton County Area Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate, which is extremely low even for a community college. This means most students don't complete their programs and may struggle to see any return on their investment.