At $3,826/yr net price, Sampson Community College graduates earn $33,409/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,826 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-591/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,374/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,737/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,877/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,856/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 | $53,775 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at Sampson Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Sampson Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning a median of $33,409 annually at an strongly low net price of $3,826 per year. Your debt-to-income ratio will be minimal compared to four-year alternatives, making this a smart choice for students seeking practical job training without crushing loan payments.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $53,775 annually. This represents a 61% premium over the college median and positions nursing students for strong regional employment in eastern North Carolina's healthcare facilities. Other programs lag significantly behind nursing in earnings potential.
The 52% graduation rate presents the primary financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you lose time and tuition money with no credential to show for it. You need realistic assessment of your commitment level before enrolling.
This college works best if you're targeting healthcare careers, need affordable workforce training, or want to complete prerequisites before transferring. The low cost makes it ideal for students paying out-of-pocket or those wanting to minimize community college debt before pursuing a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
Skip Sampson if you're seeking high-earning technical programs like advanced manufacturing or IT. The limited program variety means fewer pathways to higher wages. Students with strong academic records might find better financial aid packages at four-year institutions that offset the higher sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sampson Community College worth the cost?
At $3,826 per year, Sampson Community College offers affordable education with graduates earning $33,409 annually after 10 years. The low cost makes it a reasonable investment, though earnings lag behind four-year degrees.
What programs at Sampson Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Sampson Community College lead to the highest earnings at $53,775 annually. These healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment compared to other majors at the school.
How much debt do Sampson Community College graduates typically have?
The low annual cost of $3,826 at Sampson Community College means students can graduate with minimal debt if they work part-time or receive financial aid. Community college students generally avoid the heavy debt loads seen at four-year schools.
Does Sampson Community College have good graduation rates?
Sampson Community College has a 52.5% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. About half of students complete their programs, though many transfer to four-year schools before finishing.