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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest but real payoff, and where you land depends almost entirely on your program. At under $5,000 a year and median debt below $10,000, your downside risk is small compared to a four-year school. But the median graduate earns around $35,000 a decade out, so the degree alone won't move you far unless you pick the right track.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The associate nursing program pays roughly $52,000, about $15,000 above the next-best option and enough to justify the time and cost several times over. The HVAC and criminal justice paths land in the high $30,000s, both solid for the low tuition and both tied to steady demand in the Salisbury and Charlotte-area labor market. The general computer science associate degree ($32,569) and health administrative services ($26,353) trail well behind. If you enroll expecting a tech or office-admin payoff from these associate credentials, the numbers don't support it, and you'd do better transferring or targeting nursing.
The biggest risk is the 30% graduation rate. Your low debt only stays low if you finish. leaving partway means you carry loans without the credential that pays them off. Treat completion as the whole game.
Net price barely moves across income brackets, running about $4,100 if your family earns under $30,000 and about $6,700 in the $75,000-$110,000 range. There's no steep discount for low income here, but the sticker is low enough that the flat pricing rarely breaks a budget.
This school fits you if you want nursing, HVAC, or a cheap two-year start before transferring. Look elsewhere if you're counting on the computer science or medical-admin tracks to carry your earnings.
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.