At $7,991/yr net price, Tidewater Community College graduates earn $38,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,991 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,245/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,997/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,811/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,637/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,612/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 | $51,960 | $11,600 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,439 | $10,450 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,282 | $9,650 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $44,542 | $4,719 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $34,526 | $3,345 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $32,925 | $7,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,687 | $9,300 |
The Risk Factor
30.1% of students at Tidewater 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
Tidewater Community College delivers solid returns for health and technical programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine overall value. The 30% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no credential.
Nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, with graduates earning $51,960 annually against modest debt loads around $11,600. Allied health fields also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment programs yielding $50,439 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with Hampton Roads' large medical sector and military healthcare needs.
Technical programs like mechanical engineering technology offer strong debt-to-income ratios, with graduates earning $44,542 while borrowing just $4,719. This reflects the region's shipbuilding and manufacturing base, where technical skills command premium wages.
The low 30% aid rate suggests most students pay the full $7,991 net price out of pocket or through family support. This actually works in your favor if you complete your program, as it keeps debt levels manageable compared to four-year schools.
You face significant completion risk here. The low graduation rate means you need strong self-discipline and clear career focus to succeed. This school works best if you enter with specific healthcare or technical career goals and can handle the independent learning environment that community colleges require.
Avoid Tidewater if you need extensive academic support or are exploring career options. The financial payoff only materializes if you actually finish your program, and the completion statistics suggest many students struggle to reach that finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tidewater Community College worth the money?
Tidewater Community College offers good value for students who complete nursing or allied health programs, with graduates earning $46,000-$52,000 annually. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and the overall median earnings of $38,349 after 10 years is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Tidewater Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $51,960, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $50,439 and Funeral Service at $47,260. These healthcare-focused programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do Tidewater Community College graduates have?
The median debt for Tidewater Community College graduates is $10,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment, especially for students who complete higher-paying programs.
What is the graduation rate at Tidewater Community College?
Only 30% of students graduate from Tidewater Community College within the standard timeframe. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider when weighing costs and benefits.