At $6,468/yr net price, Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates earn $37,996/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,996/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,468 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,996/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,996/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,560/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,756/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,705/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,984/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,479/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,846 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | $12,400 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $30,409 | $21,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,047 | $11,249 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,796 | $21,411 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $22,308 | $10,500 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $17,067 | $9,250 |
The Risk Factor
34.1% of students at Virginia Peninsula 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
Virginia Peninsula Community College delivers solid returns for students who choose the right programs, but your success depends heavily on picking healthcare over liberal arts. The school's low net price of $6,468 per year makes even modest earnings increases worthwhile.
Dental support services graduates earn $59,846 annually, making this program the clear financial winner. Nursing graduates earn $52,107 with reasonable debt of $12,400, offering another strong path to middle-class earnings. These healthcare programs justify the investment and then some.
Business administration and criminal justice programs show weaker returns at around $30,000-$34,000 annually. Mental health services graduates face the worst debt-to-income ratio, earning just $30,409 while carrying $21,000 in loans. You should avoid programs outside healthcare unless you plan to transfer to a four-year school.
The 34% graduation rate presents a significant risk. You face a one-in-three chance of completing your program, making program selection and academic preparation critical. The relatively low percentage of students receiving financial aid (29%) suggests many students pay out of pocket, which reduces debt risk but requires upfront cash.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare jobs in the Hampton Roads area. The regional medical industry creates steady demand for dental assistants and nurses. You should look elsewhere if you want broad educational options or plan to pursue fields outside healthcare and public safety.
Virginia Peninsula Community College offers straightforward value for healthcare career training, but only if you complete your program and choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Peninsula Community College worth the money?
Virginia Peninsula Community College offers solid value for healthcare programs, with dental support and nursing graduates earning $52,000-$60,000 annually. However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and other programs like business and criminal justice lead to modest earnings around $30,000-$34,000.
What are the best paying programs at Virginia Peninsula Community College?
Dental support services leads at nearly $60,000 in annual earnings, followed by nursing at $52,000. Criminal justice, mental health services, and business programs all result in earnings around $30,000-$34,000, which may not justify even the low cost for some students.
How much debt do Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $9,500, which is manageable for healthcare graduates but concerning for lower-paying programs. With annual earnings of $38,000 across all programs, graduates in business or criminal justice may struggle with loan payments.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Peninsula Community College?
Only 34% of students graduate, meaning two-thirds don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that prospective students should consider seriously before enrolling.