At $4,627/yr net price, Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates earn $35,798/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,798/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,627 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,798/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,798/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,933 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,980/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,005/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,810/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,948/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,105 | $9,519 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $9,875 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,034 | $6,925 |
The Risk Factor
49.2% of students at Owensboro Community and 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
Owensboro Community and Technical College delivers strong financial returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for liberal arts fields. Your best bet here centers on electrical work and nursing, which generate earnings that justify the investment multiple times over.
The electrical program stands out with median earnings of $61,516 annually, making it the clear winner financially. Nursing follows at $50,105 per year, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $9,519. Both programs align well with regional demand in western Kentucky's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Criminal justice graduates face a tougher financial reality at $33,993 annually. With limited law enforcement opportunities in the Owensboro area, this program represents a riskier investment despite the school's low overall debt levels.
Your financial risk stays manageable with median debt under $8,000 and a net price below $5,000 annually. The 49% graduation rate signals completion challenges, particularly concerning if you're academically underprepared or working full-time while enrolled.
This school works financially if you're targeting specific technical careers with clear regional job prospects. The electrical and nursing programs offer genuine career advancement in fields where associate degrees still command respect. You should look elsewhere if you want broader career flexibility or plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the limited program variety constrains your options.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 30% of students, suggesting either a population with higher family incomes or limited aid awareness. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize the return on your investment, as the technical skills you'll gain lose value if you don't finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owensboro Community and Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of $4,627 per year and median debt of just $7,933, Owensboro Community and Technical College offers good value for students who complete their programs. However, the 49% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Owensboro Community and Technical College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads with $61,516 average earnings, followed by nursing programs at $50,105. These technical programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $35,798.
How much debt do Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates have a median debt of $7,933, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The low cost keeps debt reasonable, but earnings of $35,798 mean it still takes time to pay off.
Do Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates make good money?
Graduate earnings average $35,798 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost and debt load. Your program choice matters significantly, with electrical and nursing graduates earning much more than the average.