Hickory, NC · Private University
Is Catawba Valley Community College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$36,977
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$2,367
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$7,743
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$30,972
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.78x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
15.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Median Debt
$4,938
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$9,415
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Catawba Valley Community College graduates earn $8,023 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Catawba Valley Community College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $36,977 10 years after starting, $8,023 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 15.7 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
Ready to apply to Catawba Valley Community College?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.