At $7,242/yr net price, Randolph Community College graduates earn $33,336/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,242 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,336/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-664/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,707/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,980/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,384/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,421/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $33,446 |
The Risk Factor
53.6% of students at Randolph 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
Randolph Community College offers a financially accessible path with mixed returns that depend heavily on your career goals and transfer plans. At $7,242 annually, the net price sits well below most alternatives, but median earnings of $33,336 ten years out reflect the reality of community college career outcomes.
Your financial success hinges on what you do after graduation. The Liberal Arts and Sciences program dominates enrollment and produces earnings slightly above the school average at $33,446, but this figure likely includes many graduates who transferred to four-year universities. If you plan to stop at an associate degree, research specific career tracks carefully since general studies alone rarely leads to higher-paying positions.
The 53.6% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment. Nearly half of students leave without finishing, making this a risky choice if you struggle with self-direction or need extensive support services. The low financial aid participation rate of 31.8% suggests either limited need-based aid availability or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant assistance.
Randolph makes financial sense if you live locally and plan to transfer to a four-year school, using the college as an affordable foundation. The location in Asheboro provides access to manufacturing and healthcare jobs in the Triad region, which can boost outcomes for career-focused programs beyond liberal arts.
Skip this option if you need extensive career services, want guaranteed transfer pathways, or expect strong job placement support. The school works best for self-motivated students who view it as either a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or a low-cost way to gain specific technical skills for local employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Randolph Community College worth the cost?
At $7,242 per year, Randolph Community College offers reasonable value for a two-year degree, with graduates earning around $33,336 annually after 10 years. The low cost helps minimize debt risk, though earning potential remains modest compared to four-year degrees.
What is the ROI for Randolph Community College programs?
Most Randolph Community College graduates complete Liberal Arts and General Studies programs, earning about $33,446 annually. The community college model keeps costs low, but career advancement often requires transferring to complete a bachelor's degree.
How much debt do Randolph Community College students graduate with?
The net price of $7,242 annually means most students can complete their program with minimal debt if they work part-time or receive financial aid. This makes Randolph Community College a lower-risk option for students concerned about student loans.
Does Randolph Community College have good graduation rates?
Randolph Community College has a 53.6% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means nearly half of students don't complete their programs. Students should have clear transfer or career goals before enrolling.