At $2,380/yr net price, Rockingham Community College graduates earn $32,480/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,380 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,480/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,520/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,265/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $628/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,960/yr |
| $110,001+ | $1,514/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $37,856 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,138 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,834 |
The Risk Factor
28.3% of students at Rockingham 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
Rockingham Community College delivers solid financial value with a rock-bottom net price of $2,380 per year and graduates earning a median $32,480 annually within 10 years. The return on investment works out strongly for most students who complete their programs.
Allied health programs lead earnings potential, with diagnostic and treatment professionals earning $39,009 annually. Criminal justice graduates also perform well at $37,856, while practical nursing offers steady middle-income returns at $33,281. These career-focused programs align well with North Carolina's healthcare and public safety job markets.
The major financial risk lies in the 28% graduation rate. If you don't finish your program, you lose both time and money with nothing to show for it. This school works best for students who can commit to completing their studies and have clear career goals in healthcare, criminal justice, or skilled trades.
You should consider Rockingham if you want affordable job training with quick entry into the workforce. The low cost means minimal debt risk even if you need multiple attempts to graduate. Skip this school if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the completion rate suggests academic support may be limited.
With 44% of students receiving financial aid, many attend essentially free after grants. Focus on programs with the strongest job placement rates in your area, since earnings vary significantly by field. The criminal justice and allied health programs offer your best financial prospects at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockingham Community College worth the cost?
At $2,380 per year, Rockingham Community College offers one of the most affordable educations in North Carolina. However, the 28% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the value proposition.
What are the highest paying programs at Rockingham Community College?
Allied health programs lead with graduates earning around $39,000 annually, followed by criminal justice at $37,800. These healthcare-focused programs offer the best return on investment at the college.
How much debt do Rockingham Community College graduates typically have?
With a net price of just $2,380 per year, students can complete most two-year programs for under $5,000 total. This low cost means graduates typically have minimal debt compared to four-year institutions.
What is the average salary after graduating from Rockingham Community College?
Graduates earn an average of $32,480 ten years after starting college. While this is modest, the extremely low cost of attendance means students can see positive returns relatively quickly if they complete their programs.