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 runs on low cost and a high completion rate. At $4,215 a year with a 71.70% graduation rate, you finish, and you finish without much debt. That combination is the whole financial case for this school.
The payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The two health associate degrees do the heavy lifting: allied health diagnostic and treatment clears $51,392, and registered nursing sits just under that. Both roughly hit the school's median within a single field, which means the rest of the programs drag that $36,686 figure down. The criminal justice certificate pays well for a certificate at $43,426. But medical assisting is the trap here: whether you take the certificate or the full associate, you land near $28,000, and the associate version actually earns slightly less than the certificate. Spending two years for the same money a shorter credential gives you is a bad trade.
The specific risk at Stanly is program choice, not cost. Pick nursing or diagnostic health and the numbers work. Pick medical assisting and you invest more time for pay that barely clears low-wage work in the region.
Net price barely moves across income brackets. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $3,027. at $75-110k you pay $4,786. Nobody here faces a large bill, so cost should not steer your decision. The program you enroll in should.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or allied health career and want to enter the workforce fast and cheap. Look elsewhere, or plan to transfer, if you are aiming at medical assisting for its own sake or at earnings well above $40,000 without going into the top health tracks.
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.