At $4,842/yr net price, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College graduates earn $34,936/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $936/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,842 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,936/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$936/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 20.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,458 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,131/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,686/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,201/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,669/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 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,989 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $19,455 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
30.0% of students at Rowan-Cabarrus 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
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. With a net price under $5,000 annually and median debt of just $9,458, the cost structure keeps financial risk manageable even with the college's concerning 30% graduation rate.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $52,107 annually in a region with strong healthcare demand. Criminal justice and HVAC programs also generate respectable returns at $39,009 and $36,848 respectively, both serving stable local job markets in North Carolina's growing Piedmont region.
Computer science graduates face a different reality, earning $32,569 despite the program's technical focus. Health administration graduates earn just $26,353, making this program a questionable investment given the time and opportunity costs involved.
The college works best for students pursuing specific vocational tracks, particularly those entering nursing or skilled trades. The low graduation rate signals potential challenges with academic support or student preparation, making this school risky for students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic assistance.
Financial aid reaches only 28% of students, suggesting either a student body with higher family incomes or limited aid packaging. This creates an advantage for students who can pay the modest costs out-of-pocket while avoiding debt entirely.
Skip Rowan-Cabarrus if you need extensive student support services or plan to transfer to a four-year school immediately. The college serves students best when you have clear career goals in nursing, criminal justice, or trades, can handle independent learning, and want to minimize educational debt while building marketable skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rowan-Cabarrus Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,842 per year and median debt of only $9,458, Rowan-Cabarrus offers good value for specific programs. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $34,936 ten years out are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $52,107 annually, followed by criminal justice at $39,009 and HVAC technology at $36,848. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Rowan-Cabarrus Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $9,458, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With the low annual cost of $4,842, most students can minimize borrowing if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College?
Only 30% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs, making it risky if you're not committed to finishing.