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's financial return depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns $35,132 a year ten years out, and with median debt around $12,000, the overall picture is modest but not disastrous. The 39% graduation rate is the bigger problem: if you don't finish, you carry the debt without the credential that pays it back.
The electrical and power transmission program is the clear winner. Graduates earn roughly $87,000 a year, more than double the school's median and enough to justify the cost several times over. Mining and petroleum technicians follow at about $57,000, which fits West Virginia's energy-heavy job market. These are the associate degrees that pay off.
The health and computer networking programs land near or below the school median at around $39,000 to $40,000, while carrying the highest debt loads on the list. You'd still clear your loans, but the margin is thin, and these aren't the reason to enroll here.
The main risk is program choice combined with completion. Pick a mid-tier associate and drop out, and you're left with debt and earnings that barely move above a high school baseline. The energy and utility trades are where Pierpont's regional value actually shows up.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $7,074 a year, and the number climbs steadily to nearly $13,000 for those above $110,000. That's a real gap, but even the top tier stays under $13,000 annually, so this is an affordable school across the board.
Come here for the electrical, power, or mining tracks and you'll likely come out ahead. If you're aiming for general health or IT credentials, compare the earnings against nearby options before you commit.
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.