At $8,076/yr net price, Roanoke-Chowan Community College graduates earn $29,324/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,076 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,324/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,676/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,898/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,387/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 | $49,527 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at Roanoke-Chowan 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
Roanoke-Chowan Community College offers a stark divide in financial outcomes depending on your program choice. The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning nearly $50,000 annually, well above the regional average for two-year degrees. However, the general studies track produces concerning results, with graduates earning just $15,552 ten years out.
The college's 21% graduation rate presents significant financial risk. You face roughly four-in-five odds of leaving without completing your program, which means accumulating debt or opportunity costs without the credential. This completion rate problem affects your return on investment regardless of which program you choose.
For nursing students specifically, the math works favorably. The $8,076 annual cost creates manageable debt loads relative to the $49,527 earning potential. You can reasonably expect to recover your educational investment within two to three years of graduation if you complete the program and find employment in the field.
General studies students face a different calculation. Earning $15,552 annually makes it difficult to justify even the relatively low costs. You would likely see better financial outcomes pursuing specific technical programs at other institutions or entering the workforce directly.
This college makes financial sense if you have clear nursing career goals and strong academic preparation to increase your completion odds. The rural northeastern North Carolina location limits job market diversity, making program choice critical. You should avoid this institution if you are undecided about your career path or considering programs outside of nursing and other health-related fields where specific outcome data is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roanoke-Chowan Community College worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $49,527 after 10 years, which justifies the $8,076 annual cost, but liberal arts graduates average only $15,552. The 21% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Roanoke-Chowan Community College?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $49,527 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show much lower earnings at $15,552, making them financially risky choices.
How much debt do Roanoke-Chowan Community College students graduate with?
At $8,076 per year, total costs are relatively low for community college students. However, the 21% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing a degree, making careful program selection critical.
Does Roanoke-Chowan Community College have good job placement rates?
The school doesn't publish specific job placement data, but the low 21% graduation rate suggests completion challenges. Nursing program graduates do see solid earnings, but overall outcomes vary significantly by program choice.