At $5,189/yr net price, Robeson Community College graduates earn $29,036/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,189 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,756 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,036/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,964/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,735/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,710/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,234/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,081/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 | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,380 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,011 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $12,221 |
The Risk Factor
29.9% of students at Robeson 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
Robeson Community College offers solid returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes across most other majors. At $5,189 annually, the low cost helps, but the 30% graduation rate means seven out of ten students never finish their program.
The registered nursing program delivers strong returns at $52,107 in median earnings, making it the clear financial winner. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $46,380. These healthcare tracks justify the investment and connect to stable regional demand in North Carolina's rural healthcare system.
Criminal justice programs show mixed results, with earnings ranging from $31,133 to $35,060. Business administration graduates earn just $25,774, barely above the state's minimum wage equivalent for full-time work. Given the low completion rates, non-healthcare programs carry significant financial risk.
You should consider Robeson if you plan to enter nursing or allied health and want affordable training close to home. The school works financially for students who can commit to healthcare programs and actually graduate. Rural location limits job diversity but keeps living costs manageable during school.
Avoid Robeson for business or liberal arts programs where earning potential stays low and graduation rates suggest completion challenges. If you're uncertain about your major or struggle with completion, the statistics suggest looking at four-year options or community colleges with higher success rates.
Financial aid reaches nearly half of students, though specific merit opportunities aren't widely promoted. The combination of low tuition and federal aid can make attendance nearly free for qualifying students, but only healthcare graduates see meaningful salary gains that justify even this minimal investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robeson Community College worth the money?
Robeson Community College offers one of the most affordable education options in North Carolina at $5,189 per year, but graduates earn only $29,036 annually after 10 years. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing graduates earning nearly double the average at $52,107.
What are the best paying programs at Robeson Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Robeson Community College, with graduates earning $52,107 annually. Allied Health programs also pay well at $46,380, while business programs lag significantly at $25,774.
What is the graduation rate at Robeson Community College?
Only 30% of students graduate from Robeson Community College. This low completion rate means many students take on debt without earning a credential, making careful program selection and academic planning essential.
Will I have a lot of debt after Robeson Community College?
At $5,189 per year, Robeson Community College is affordable enough that students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their program. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students spend money without finishing their degree.