At $1,612/yr net price, Northeast Alabama Community College graduates earn $34,913/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $913/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,612 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $6,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,913/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$913/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,100 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $260/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,258/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,441/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,201/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,684/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,980 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,960 | $7,662 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $18,309 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
31.8% of students at Northeast Alabama 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
Northeast Alabama Community College is cheap to attend and low-risk on debt, but your payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. At a net price near $1,600 a year and median debt of $6,100, you are not gambling much money here. The problem is the median outcome: $34,913 ten years out is modest, and the 31.8% graduation rate means most students leave without finishing.
Two programs carry the ROI. Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance and the associate nursing degree both clear $45,000, and both feed real demand in this part of northeast Alabama, where equipment techs and nurses get hired locally. Practical nursing pays less at around $36,800 but takes less time and still lands you in the same regional job market.
The academic-transfer and office tracks are where the math breaks down. Liberal Arts and General Studies graduates earn under $21,000 and carry more debt ($7,662) than the higher-earning programs. Business Operations Support sits even lower. These pay off only if you transfer to a four-year school and finish a bachelor's elsewhere. If you stop at the associate, the earnings do not justify even the low cost.
The net price tiers are the strongest reason to enroll if your family income is low. Under $30,000, you pay about $260 a year. Between $30,000 and $48,000, roughly $1,258. Above $110,000, the price jumps to nearly $9,700, and at that point the modest earnings make the value weaker.
Come here if you want the equipment maintenance or nursing credentials, or if you have a firm transfer plan and want two cheap years before a bachelor's. Look elsewhere if you plan to finish with a general-studies associate and enter the workforce directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Alabama Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of just $1,612 per year and median debt of $6,100, Northeast Alabama Community College offers strong value for students who complete their programs. However, the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Northeast Alabama Community College?
Heavy equipment maintenance and nursing programs at Northeast Alabama Community College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making $45,000-47,000 annually. Liberal arts and business support programs pay significantly less at around $18,000-21,000 per year.
How much debt do Northeast Alabama Community College graduates have?
Northeast Alabama Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,100, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $1,612 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the job market like for Northeast Alabama Community College graduates?
Northeast Alabama Community College graduates earn a median of $34,913 ten years after starting school. This is reasonable for a community college, especially considering the low cost, but career prospects vary widely by program choice.