At $6,042/yr net price, Richmond Community College graduates earn $29,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,042 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,049/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,485/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,442/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,983/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,908/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at Richmond 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
Richmond Community College offers strong returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for most other degrees. The low net price of $6,042 annually makes this one of North Carolina's most affordable community colleges, but median earnings of just under $30,000 create a concerning earnings-to-cost ratio for many graduates.
Your program choice determines everything here. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers graduates earn $67,660, delivering strong ROI that pays back your investment within months. Registered Nursing also performs well at $54,646, though you'll face competitive admission into the program. These technical tracks connect directly to Richmond County's manufacturing and healthcare employers.
Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Electromechanical programs all cluster around $25,000 in earnings, barely above the poverty line for a family of four. These degrees offer poor financial returns that may leave you struggling to repay even minimal student debt.
The 41% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely. Many students accumulate costs without finishing, creating debt without the credential needed for better jobs.
This school works financially if you target high-earning technical programs and can complete them quickly. The rural location limits job opportunities outside healthcare and trades, so you'll likely need to relocate for career growth in other fields.
With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, Richmond Community College expects most families to pay out of pocket. The low sticker price makes this feasible for many, but investigate work-study opportunities and local employer partnerships that could reduce costs further while building job connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond Community College worth the money?
Richmond Community College has a low net price at $6,042 per year, but graduates earn only $29,951 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with electrical and nursing programs offering much better returns than general studies.
What are the best paying programs at Richmond Community College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads at $67,660 annually, followed by Registered Nursing at $54,646. Liberal Arts and Business Administration graduates earn around $25,000, which barely exceeds what many high school graduates make.
How much debt do Richmond Community College students graduate with?
With a net price of $6,042 per year, most students can complete their associate degree for around $12,000 total. This low cost reduces debt risk, but the 40.9% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs.
Does Richmond Community College have good job placement rates?
The school's overall graduate earnings of $29,951 suggest mixed job outcomes. Technical programs like electrical work show strong earning potential, while general studies graduates face limited career advancement opportunities.