At $7,150/yr net price, Pitt Community College graduates earn $37,259/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,259/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,150 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,259/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,259/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,977 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,966/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,931/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,189/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,676/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,151/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $59,350 | $9,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,790 | $12,617 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,992 | $11,846 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $41,789 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,741 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,952 | $12,350 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,637 | $21,201 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,960 | $12,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,895 | $18,685 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $27,669 |
The Risk Factor
28.4% of students at Pitt Community 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
Pitt Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who pick the right programs, with healthcare fields providing the strongest payoff in eastern North Carolina's job market. Your best bet financially is pursuing allied health or nursing, where graduates earn $47,000 to $59,000 annually with manageable debt loads under $13,000.
The nursing program stands out with $54,790 median earnings and relatively low debt at $12,617, reflecting strong regional demand for healthcare workers. Criminal justice graduates also see decent returns at $41,789, though this varies significantly based on whether you land local government positions versus private security work.
The major financial risk here is the 28% graduation rate, meaning most students leave without credentials and often with debt. If you struggle with course completion or lack strong study habits, community college may not be your most cost-effective path to career training.
This school works best financially for career changers seeking specific technical skills, recent high school graduates with clear program goals, and working adults who can handle the self-direction that community college requires. The $7,150 net price makes it accessible for most North Carolina families, especially with 38% of students receiving financial aid.
Avoid programs without clear local job pipelines. Focus on healthcare, skilled trades, or criminal justice where regional employers actively hire. Your low debt burden means you can afford to be selective about job offers after graduation, giving you leverage that four-year college graduates often lack in this job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pitt Community College worth the cost?
Pitt Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $7,150 per year and modest debt levels around $12,000. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning and average earnings of $37,259 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Pitt Community College?
Allied health programs and nursing offer the strongest returns at Pitt Community College, with graduates earning $47,000-$59,000 annually. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do Pitt Community College graduates have?
Pitt Community College graduates typically leave with $11,977 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low cost structure helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Pitt Community College?
Only 28% of students graduate from Pitt Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate suggests many students may not see returns on their investment.