At $9,096/yr net price, Pierpont Community and Technical College graduates earn $35,132/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,132/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,096 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,132/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,132/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 32.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,110 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,074/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,443/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,014/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,954/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $86,867 | |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $41,565 | $10,266 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,365 | $13,271 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $39,369 | $12,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,029 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $29,141 | $16,101 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $25,967 | $14,920 |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at Pierpont Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Pierpont Community and Technical College offers solid financial returns for specific technical programs, but your choice of major determines whether you see strong earnings or struggle financially. The school's electrical and power transmission program leads to median earnings of $86,867, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs in the region. Mining and petroleum technology graduates also see strong returns at $57,318 annually.
Your financial risk depends heavily on program selection. While the top technical programs justify the investment, other majors may leave you with debt that outpaces earning potential in West Virginia's job market. The 39% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs, creating additional financial risk if you don't finish.
The school works best financially if you target high-demand technical fields that align with regional industry needs. West Virginia's energy sector creates strong demand for electrical and mining technology graduates, but opportunities in other fields remain limited. You face geographic constraints since many higher-paying positions require staying in or near West Virginia.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, you may pay more out of pocket than at schools with more generous aid programs. However, the low net price of $9,096 keeps total costs manageable compared to four-year institutions. The median debt of $12,110 remains reasonable if you complete a high-earning technical program.
Skip this school if you want broad career flexibility or plan to work outside technical trades. The financial payoff concentrates in specific programs tied to regional industries. Choose Pierpont if you want direct entry into electrical work, mining technology, or related technical fields where the earnings data shows clear returns on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pierpont Community and Technical College worth the cost?
Pierpont's value depends heavily on your program choice. While the low net price of $9,096 per year keeps debt manageable, the $35,132 median earnings after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Pierpont Community and Technical College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installation offers the strongest ROI at $86,867 median earnings, followed by Mining and Petroleum Technologies at $57,318. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earning average.
How much debt do Pierpont Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $12,110 in median debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Pierpont Community and Technical College?
Only 39% of students graduate from Pierpont, which is concerning for completion and return on investment. This low completion rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.