At $7,847/yr net price, Pamlico Community College graduates earn $30,005/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,847 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,005/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,995/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,921/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,896/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,648/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
47.1% of students at Pamlico Community 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
Pamlico Community College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $30,005 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate under 50%, your financial prospects remain limited even if you complete your program.
The school's signature Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program produces earnings of only $24,035 annually, which falls well below the state median for healthcare support roles. This suggests either poor job placement or concentration in lower-paying positions within the healthcare sector. Given eastern North Carolina's rural economy and limited healthcare infrastructure, career advancement opportunities remain constrained.
Your biggest financial risk is the 53% chance you won't graduate at all, leaving you with debt but no credential. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid indicates either limited need-based support or a student body that doesn't qualify for assistance, potentially forcing you to rely more heavily on loans.
This school makes financial sense only if you live locally and can attend while working, minimizing opportunity costs. The $7,847 annual net price is manageable, but only if you view this as basic skills training rather than a pathway to middle-class earnings. Students seeking healthcare careers should consider programs at larger regional colleges with stronger industry connections and higher graduate salaries.
Avoid Pamlico Community College if you need significant income growth or career mobility. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings outcomes, and limited program variety creates poor prospects for financial advancement in most fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pamlico Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Pamlico Community College costs $7,847 per year but graduates earn just $30,005 ten years later, which is below average for community colleges. The low graduation rate of 47% means many students pay tuition without completing their program.
What are the best paying programs at Pamlico Community College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services is the top program, with graduates earning around $24,035 annually. This is significantly lower than the overall graduate average of $30,005, suggesting other smaller programs may offer better returns.
How much debt do Pamlico Community College students typically have?
With an annual net price of $7,847, students completing a two-year program would pay roughly $15,694 total. Given the low graduate earnings of $30,005, this represents a reasonable debt load if students actually graduate.
Should I choose Pamlico Community College over a four-year university?
Pamlico Community College offers lower costs but also produces lower earnings than most four-year schools. The 47% graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited, making it risky for students who need structure to succeed.