At $6,613/yr net price, Raritan Valley Community College graduates earn $48,145/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,145/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,613 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,145/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,145/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.3% |
| 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 | $5,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,555/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,061/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,710/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,876/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 | $64,791 | $14,125 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $39,927 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $36,134 | $9,653 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,803 | $11,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $20,687 | $10,500 |
The Risk Factor
35.3% of students at Raritan Valley 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
Raritan Valley Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine its value proposition. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $64,791 annually, making the $14,125 median debt easily manageable and providing strong regional job prospects in New Jersey's healthcare market.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Management Information Systems graduates earn nearly $40,000, while Criminal Justice and Business majors see respectable mid-30s salaries that justify the low debt loads. Liberal Arts graduates face a harsh reality with earnings of just $23,803 against $11,000 in debt, creating a questionable return that may require transfer to a four-year school to improve.
The college's 35% graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of accumulating debt without completing your program, particularly problematic given that only 27% of students receive financial aid. This suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
RVCC works best for career changers pursuing nursing or technical fields who can commit fully to completion. The low net price of $6,613 annually makes it accessible for local students who can live at home and work part-time. Adults with clear professional goals benefit most from the targeted programs.
Avoid RVCC if you need extensive academic support, plan to pursue Liberal Arts without transferring, or lack strong motivation to finish. The limited financial aid availability means you need other funding sources or the ability to pay as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raritan Valley Community College worth the cost?
At $6,613 per year, Raritan Valley Community College offers solid value for nursing students who can earn $64,791 annually, but other programs show mixed returns. The low graduation rate of 35% means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Raritan Valley Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Raritan Valley Community College provide the strongest return with graduates earning $64,791 annually. Management Information Systems graduates earn $39,927, while Liberal Arts graduates average just $23,803.
How much debt do Raritan Valley Community College graduates have?
Raritan Valley Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable for nursing graduates but may be challenging for those in lower-paying fields like Liberal Arts.
What is the graduation rate at Raritan Valley Community College?
Only 35% of students graduate from Raritan Valley Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave without a degree and may still have debt from their time enrolled.