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 gives you a mixed financial picture that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns under $30,000 a year ten years out, which is low, and the 21% graduation rate means most people who start here don't finish. That combination is the core risk: you pay for a program you have a real chance of not completing, and the typical payoff is modest.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. At roughly $49,500 a year, it pays more than three times what the general studies track does. If you come here for nursing and finish, the return on an $8,076 annual net price is strong. The Liberal Arts and General Studies associate, at about $15,552, is the opposite. That number sits below what many jobs requiring no degree pay, so treat general studies as a transfer step toward a four-year school, not an endpoint.
The biggest financial risk here is starting and stopping. With four out of five students not graduating, taking on loans without finishing leaves you with debt and no credential. Pick a program with a clear career target before you enroll.
Net price barely moves across income levels here, running around $7,900 to $8,400 whether your family earns under $30k or up to $48k. Lower-income families don't get much of a discount, so the cost hits similarly across the board. Budget for the full amount.
This school fits you if you want the nursing degree and can commit to finishing it. If you're aiming at general studies without a transfer plan, or you're unsure you'll complete a program, the numbers don't support enrolling here.
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.