At $8,596/yr net price, Sandhills Community College graduates earn $31,656/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,656/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,344/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,978/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,517/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,799/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,159/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,416/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 | $56,484 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,087 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $36,674 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,262 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,814 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,576 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $15,182 |
The Risk Factor
47.9% of students at Sandhills 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
Sandhills Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare students but disappointing outcomes for most other majors. With a net price of $8,596 annually, the school pays off primarily if you enter nursing or allied health programs.
Nursing graduates earn $56,484 ten years out, creating a strong financial case for the program. Allied health diagnostics and clinical lab science also produce respectable returns at $41,087 and $36,674 respectively. These programs justify your investment given the relatively low cost and strong demand in North Carolina's healthcare sector.
Liberal arts students face tougher prospects, earning just $22,814 a decade after graduation. This barely exceeds what you might earn without a degree, making the program a poor financial choice unless you plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
The 47.9% graduation rate creates real completion risk. Nearly half of students leave without credentials, turning their investment into pure loss. Only 32.5% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay full price despite modest family incomes common in rural North Carolina.
You should choose Sandhills if you want healthcare training at low cost and can handle the completion risk. The nursing program offers particular value given strong regional hospital networks. Avoid the school if you want liberal arts education without transfer plans or need extensive support services to finish your degree. Students requiring significant financial aid may find better packages at four-year institutions despite higher sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandhills Community College worth the money?
At $8,596 per year, Sandhills Community College offers solid value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $56,484 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average only $22,814, which barely covers loan payments.
What are the highest paying programs at Sandhills Community College?
Nursing programs at Sandhills Community College lead earnings at $56,484 annually, followed by allied health diagnostics at $41,087. These healthcare programs justify the tuition costs, while general studies graduates earn significantly less at $22,814.
Do most students graduate from Sandhills Community College?
Only 48% of students graduate from Sandhills Community College within the tracked timeframe. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making program choice and academic commitment critical for success.
How much debt do Sandhills Community College graduates have?
With a net price of $8,596 annually, two-year students at Sandhills Community College typically graduate with manageable debt if they complete their programs. However, the 52% who don't graduate often leave with debt and no credential to show for it.