At $25,596/yr net price, Riverside College of Health Careers graduates earn $66,072/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,072/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,072/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,072/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,787 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,596/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. | Certificate | $56,867 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,087 | $18,369 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,728 | $16,806 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,381 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.5% of students at Riverside College of Health Careers graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Riverside College of Health Careers delivers solid returns for a specialized healthcare school, with graduates earning a median $66,072 annually against relatively modest debt loads. The $25,596 net price positions this Newport News institution as a middle-tier investment in Virginia's competitive healthcare education market.
Your program choice dramatically impacts your financial outcome here. Registered nursing graduates see the strongest returns at $56,867 annually, making the program worthwhile despite higher costs. Allied health and medical assisting services offer decent mid-career prospects at $46,087, though you'll carry $18,369 in debt. The practical nursing track presents the lowest debt burden at $9,500 but caps earnings around $34,381, creating a mixed value proposition.
The school's 62.5% graduation rate creates meaningful risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion challenge hits hardest in healthcare fields where licensing requirements make partial education nearly worthless.
You're a good fit here if you're committed to nursing or allied health careers and can handle the academic demands. The Hampton Roads region offers steady healthcare employment, supporting graduate job prospects. However, if you're unsure about healthcare or struggle with science coursework, consider less specialized institutions with higher completion rates.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, as healthcare credentials lose value if you don't finish. The modest debt loads make this school accessible, but only if you graduate and enter your intended healthcare field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverside College of Health Careers worth the cost?
With a net price of $25,596 per year and median earnings of $66,072 after 10 years, graduates typically earn enough to justify the cost. However, the 62.5% graduation rate means over a third of students don't complete their programs.
Which programs at Riverside College of Health Careers have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning around $56,867. Allied Health programs pay significantly less at $40,728-$46,087, while Practical Nursing graduates earn only $34,381.
How much debt do Riverside College of Health Careers graduates have?
The median debt is $14,787, which is manageable compared to the annual net price of $25,596. Most nursing graduates can handle this debt load given their earning potential.
What are the risks of attending Riverside College of Health Careers?
The school accepts all applicants but only graduates 62.5% of students, creating a real risk of debt without a degree. Lower-paying programs like Practical Nursing may struggle to justify even the relatively modest costs.