At $5,215/yr net price, Piedmont Community College graduates earn $33,274/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,215 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,274/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-726/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,236/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,113/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,397 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
41.7% of students at Piedmont 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
Piedmont Community College offers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $33,000 ten years after enrollment. The nursing program stands out as the clear exception, generating nearly $57,000 in annual earnings that justify the investment.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Nursing students see strong ROI with earnings that triple the median, while liberal arts graduates earn just $18,771 annually after completing their studies. Business administration falls in the middle at $21,964, offering modest returns that may not compensate for opportunity costs. Allied health programs produce mixed results at $27,397.
The 41.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly six out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without credentials. The low 28.6% financial aid participation suggests many students pay out of pocket, reducing potential debt but limiting access for lower-income students.
This school makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the nursing program and commit to completion. The program appears competitive given its strong earnings outcomes. For other majors, the weak job market in rural North Carolina limits earning potential even with a degree.
Consider Piedmont only if you live locally and want nursing training, or if you need affordable credits to transfer elsewhere. The low net price of $5,215 annually minimizes financial damage for students who change direction. Skip this school if you want liberal arts education with earning potential or lack clear career focus, as most programs lead to below-average wages in a challenging regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Piedmont Community College worth the cost?
At $5,215 per year, Piedmont Community College offers solid value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $57,318 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average just $18,771.
What are the highest paying programs at Piedmont Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at $57,318 average salary, followed by Allied Health at $27,397. Business and liberal arts programs show significantly lower returns at around $22,000 and $19,000 respectively.
How much debt will I have after Piedmont Community College?
With a net price of $5,215 annually, total debt for a two-year program should be manageable at around $10,000-12,000. This low cost makes Piedmont Community College one of the more affordable options in North Carolina.
Does Piedmont Community College have good graduation rates?
Piedmont Community College's 42% graduation rate is concerning and below average for community colleges. This means nearly 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs, which affects the school's overall value proposition.