At $9,968/yr net price, Olney Central College graduates earn $37,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,968 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,468/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,466/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,339/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,762/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,339/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,625 |
The Risk Factor
62.1% of students at Olney Central College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Olney Central College gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other side. Median debt sits at $6,500, and you graduate at a 62% clip, which is strong for a two-year public school. The tradeoff is that median earnings ten years out land around $37,500, so this is a place to keep your borrowing minimal and your expectations realistic.
The one program with reported earnings data, the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degree, pays about $20,140 a year. That number tells you what a terminal liberal arts associate degree is worth on its own: not much. Treat this credential as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint. If you stop here, the financial return is weak.
The specific risk at Olney is that low debt masks a low ceiling. Cheap tuition and small loans are only a good deal if you finish something that leads to real wages, and the earnings data here point to a general-studies pipeline that only pays off after you move on to a bachelor's program or a workforce credential with clearer job demand.
The net price tiers have an odd shape. If your family earns under $30k, you pay the least, around $8,468. But the $30-48k and $48-75k tiers pay more than the $75-110k tier, so a middle-income family can end up paying more than a higher-income one. Check your actual aid award before assuming lower income means lower cost.
This school fits you if you plan to transfer, want to bank credits cheaply, and can keep debt near the median. Look elsewhere if you need an associate degree that stands alone in the job market, because the earnings data here does not support that plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olney Central College worth the cost?
With a net price under $10,000 and median debt of only $6,500, Olney Central College offers affordable education with minimal financial risk. However, graduates earn around $37,500 ten years later, which limits long-term earning potential compared to four-year programs.
What is the return on investment for Olney Central College graduates?
Olney Central College graduates typically earn $37,533 annually ten years after enrollment, while carrying low debt burdens averaging $6,500. The school works best as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university rather than as a final degree destination.
Which programs at Olney Central College have the best job prospects?
Most programs at Olney Central College focus on Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to transfer rather than direct employment. Students should plan to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere to see meaningful salary gains.
How much debt do Olney Central College students graduate with?
Olney Central College students graduate with a median debt of $6,500, which is quite manageable compared to most colleges. The low debt load makes this school a financially safe choice for students unsure about their career direction.