Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $29,951
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,646 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,329 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $20,960 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $16,786 |
Outcomes Overview
Richmond Community College graduates earn a median of $29,951 ten years after enrollment, while the average net price is $6,042. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 20%, well below the concerning 40% threshold that financial experts recommend avoiding. Monthly loan payments would consume about 8% of typical graduate income, leaving room for other expenses. The college's 91.3% employment rate shows strong job placement success. Many graduates enter healthcare support roles, manufacturing, and public service positions that value practical skills over four-year degrees. With 99% of students staying in-state, graduates benefit from established local employer relationships and lower living costs in rural North Carolina. This represents a strong return on investment for career-focused students.