At $10,857/yr net price, Prince George's Community College graduates earn $47,548/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,548/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,857 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,548/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,548/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,565/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,276/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,764/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,421/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,456/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 | $66,076 | $13,147 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,866 | $10,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,598 | $11,370 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | $10,572 |
The Risk Factor
25.1% of students at Prince George's 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
Prince George's Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who pick the right programs, but your major choice makes all the difference between career success and financial struggle.
The nursing program stands out as your best bet, with graduates earning $66,076 annually against modest debt loads. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay off well at nearly $59,000 yearly. These healthcare pathways position you for Maryland's growing medical sector, where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Avoid the liberal arts and general business tracks if you need immediate earning power. Liberal arts graduates earn just $25,774 annually, barely above what many retail managers make without a degree. General business fares only slightly better at $28,598, making the debt questionable.
The 25% graduation rate signals academic challenges that could derail your plans. Many students transfer before completing programs, which works fine if you move to a four-year school but leaves you empty-handed if you drop out entirely.
You face specific geographic advantages here. Prince George's County sits between Baltimore and Washington DC, giving you access to federal jobs, healthcare systems, and government contracting opportunities that value community college credentials. The criminal justice program benefits from proximity to federal law enforcement agencies.
Financial aid reaches only 32% of students, so most pay the full $10,857 annual cost. This actually works in your favor since the low sticker price means you avoid complex aid calculations and can often work while studying to minimize debt.
This school makes financial sense if you target healthcare programs and can handle the academic demands. Look elsewhere if you want liberal arts education or need extensive student support services to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prince George's Community College worth the cost?
Prince George's Community College offers decent value at $10,857 per year with graduates earning $47,548 after 10 years. The nursing programs provide strong returns at $66,076, but the 25% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Prince George's Community College?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs at Prince George's Community College lead to median earnings of $66,076. Allied health programs pay $58,866, while general business and liberal arts programs result in much lower earnings of $28,598 and $25,774 respectively.
How much debt do Prince George's Community College students graduate with?
Prince George's Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 25% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Does Prince George's Community College have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Prince George's Community College vary dramatically by program. Nursing graduates earn well above the median, but the low 25% graduation rate means most students don't reach graduation to see these benefits.