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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. At roughly $5,310 a year, your total out-of-pocket cost stays well under most degrees, but the median earnings ten years out sit at $36,121. That's a small return on a small investment, not a big one.
The only program with reported earnings data here is the Practical Nursing certificate, and it lands at $20,140 a year. That number is low for nursing, which usually pays better, so read it as a starting wage or part-time figure rather than a career ceiling. Beyond that certificate, there's no bachelor-level or program-specific earnings data to point you toward one field over another, so pick a program based on where it transfers or what license it earns you, not on numbers this school can promise.
The biggest financial risk is the 39.5% graduation rate. Six in ten students don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low price stops protecting you. Use RCC as a transfer step or a fast license, and have a clear finish line before you start.
The net price tiers are close to flat across incomes. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $4,763. between $48k and $75k, you pay $6,777. So higher-income families get a smaller break here, but nobody faces a brutal bill either way.
This school fits you if you want a cheap path into a health credential or a two-year transfer, and you're disciplined enough to finish. Look elsewhere if you want a program with proven bachelor-level earnings, because RCC doesn't have the data to back that up.
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.