At $6,119/yr net price, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College graduates earn $35,761/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,761/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,119 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,761/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,761/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,562 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,606/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,010/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,659/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,771/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,836/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $60,623 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,943 | $12,135 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $49,683 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,560 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,594 | $9,625 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical 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
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs, though your success depends heavily on which career path you pick. The school's electrical and nursing programs produce graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually, making them excellent investments at this price point.
You'll find the best financial outcomes in healthcare and technical fields. Electrical engineering technology leads earnings at $60,623, while registered nursing follows closely at $58,943. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment roles reaching $50,856. These programs justify the modest debt loads students typically carry.
The school's 40% graduation rate presents a significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying positions. This makes program selection and academic preparation critical to your financial success.
Orangeburg Calhoun works best for students committed to healthcare or technical careers who need affordable, localized training. The low net price of $6,119 makes it accessible for working adults and those with limited resources. However, you should look elsewhere if you're unsure about your career direction or need extensive academic support services.
The school serves students well in rural South Carolina's job market, where healthcare technicians and electrical workers command decent wages. Your earning potential will be strongest if you stay in the regional market where these credentials carry the most weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College worth the cost?
With a low net price of $6,119 per year and median debt of just $10,562, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College offers decent value for students who complete their programs. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $35,761 after 10 years are modest.
What are the highest paying programs at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College?
Electrical engineering technology and nursing programs at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College offer the best earning potential, with graduates making $58,000-$60,000 annually. These technical programs provide strong returns on the relatively low investment compared to other fields at the school.
How much debt do Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College graduates have?
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College graduates typically leave with $10,562 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost. The debt burden is reasonable for a technical college, especially for students in higher-paying programs like nursing or electrical technology.
What is the graduation rate at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College?
Only 40% of students graduate from Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College, which is a significant concern for prospective students. This low completion rate means many students invest time and money without earning a credential, reducing the school's overall value proposition.