At $5,310/yr net price, Rappahannock Community College graduates earn $36,121/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,121/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,310 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,121/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,121/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,763/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,929/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,777/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,574/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
39.5% of students at Rappahannock 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
Rappahannock Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice and career goals. The school's $5,310 annual net price creates a low-risk environment for exploring career paths without accumulating significant debt.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $20,140 annually in a field with strong regional demand. Healthcare roles in rural Virginia often provide stable employment with opportunities for advancement, making this program your best bet for immediate returns on investment.
Other programs at Rappahannock show weaker earnings potential relative to the time invested. The median graduate earnings of $36,121 after ten years suggest many programs lead to jobs that pay modestly, which may limit your long-term financial growth compared to transferring to a four-year institution.
The 39.5% graduation rate presents a significant risk. More than half of students who start here don't complete their programs, which means you could spend money without earning a credential. This completion challenge likely stems from the rural setting and part-time student population juggling work and family responsibilities.
Rappahannock works best financially if you need affordable career training in nursing or plan to use it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school. The low net price makes it reasonable for testing your academic readiness or earning general education credits cheaply.
You should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential outside of healthcare or need extensive support services to stay on track. With only 24.89% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited, so your main cost advantage comes from the inherently low tuition structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rappahannock Community College worth the cost?
Rappahannock Community College costs $5,310 per year with graduates earning $36,121 after 10 years, which provides reasonable value for a two-year degree. However, the 39.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Rappahannock Community College have the best job prospects?
The nursing programs are the most popular at Rappahannock Community College, though graduates in these fields typically earn around $20,140. Other healthcare and technical programs may offer better earning potential than the overall graduate average.
How much debt do Rappahannock Community College students typically graduate with?
Community college students generally graduate with lower debt loads than four-year university students, making Rappahannock Community College a lower-risk option financially. The annual cost of $5,310 is manageable for most students, especially with financial aid.
Should I choose Rappahannock Community College or a four-year university?
Rappahannock Community College makes sense if you want job training at low cost or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. The low graduation rate suggests students should have clear goals and strong motivation to succeed.