At $4,215/yr net price, Stanly Community College graduates earn $36,686/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,686/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,215 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,686/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,686/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,027/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,513/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,252/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,786/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,392 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $43,426 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,552 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
71.7% of students at Stanly Community College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Stanly Community College delivers strong financial returns for most students, with a low net price of $4,215 annually and solid median earnings of $36,686 ten years after graduation. Your investment pays back quickly given the minimal debt load and relatively high completion rate of 72%.
The healthcare programs offer the best financial prospects. Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment graduates earn $51,392, while Registered Nursing graduates make $48,041. These salaries provide excellent returns in rural North Carolina, where living costs remain manageable. Criminal Justice graduates earn $43,426, which works well for local law enforcement opportunities.
The Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning around $28,000. These wages barely exceed what you could earn without a degree, making the time investment questionable unless you need the credential for advancement.
Your main financial risk is program selection. Choose nursing or diagnostic health programs and you'll likely see strong returns. Pick medical assisting and your financial gains become marginal. The school's rural location limits job diversity, so research local healthcare employer needs before enrolling.
Stanly works best financially if you're targeting healthcare careers and plan to work in the region. The low sticker price means even modest salary gains justify the investment. You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or plan to relocate to expensive metro areas where these salaries won't stretch as far.
With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price out of pocket. This suggests either strong local affordability or limited aid availability compared to other community colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanly Community College worth the cost?
At $4,215 per year, Stanly Community College offers solid value for students who choose high-paying programs like nursing or allied health diagnostics. However, graduates earn an average of $36,686 after 10 years, which is modest compared to four-year degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Stanly Community College?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead at $51,392 annually, followed by registered nursing at $48,041. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Stanly Community College students typically graduate with?
With a net price of $4,215 per year, most students can complete their programs with minimal debt if they avoid excessive living expenses. The low cost makes this school accessible for students paying out of pocket or using financial aid.
Does Stanly Community College have good graduation rates?
Stanly Community College has a 71.70% graduation rate, which is above average for community colleges. This suggests most students who enroll actually complete their programs.