At $9,774/yr net price, River Parishes Community College graduates earn $37,848/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,848/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,774 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,848/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,848/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,761/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,355/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,988/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,935/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $73,321 | $9,500 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $13,228 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,562 |
The Risk Factor
31.1% of students at River Parishes 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
River Parishes Community College delivers strong returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for liberal arts students. Your career choice makes all the difference at this Louisiana school.
Industrial Production Technologies stands out with $73,321 median earnings and just $9,500 in debt, creating an excellent return on investment. Electromechanical Instrumentation pays $53,358 annually, reflecting strong demand from Louisiana's petrochemical industry. These technical programs align well with regional employers along the Mississippi River corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Practical Nursing graduates earn $38,289 but carry higher debt at $13,228, reducing the financial advantage. Liberal Arts graduates face poor prospects at $24,562 median earnings, barely above the poverty line for a family. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school, this pathway makes sense, but stopping at the associate level leaves you financially vulnerable.
The 31% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion rate ranks among the lowest nationally and should factor heavily into your decision.
River Parishes works best if you target high-demand technical fields and can commit to finishing your program. The school serves students well who want quick entry into Louisiana's industrial job market without accumulating massive debt. However, you should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional college experience, as the low graduation rate suggests limited institutional resources for struggling students.
With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, most pay close to the full $9,774 annual cost. The modest debt levels reflect the school's low tuition rather than generous aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Parishes Community College worth the cost?
River Parishes Community College can be worth it if you choose the right program. Industrial production and electromechanical programs offer strong earnings potential at $73,321 and $53,358 respectively, while liberal arts graduates earn just $24,562 annually.
What are the best paying programs at River Parishes Community College?
Industrial Production Technologies leads with $73,321 average earnings, followed by Electromechanical Instrumentation at $53,358. These technical programs significantly outperform the general studies track, which averages $24,562.
How much debt do River Parishes Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable for technical program graduates but represents a poor return for liberal arts students earning $24,562 annually.
What is the graduation rate at River Parishes Community College?
Only 31% of students graduate from River Parishes Community College. This low completion rate means many students end up with debt but no degree to show for it.