WRAL’s North Carolina story is a useful spark—but the real decision comes down to completion, cost, and what your field actually pays.
A recent WRAL report said college “often pays” in North Carolina—citing Strada’s finding that more than two-thirds of in-state graduates see a positive 10-year return. That’s encouraging, and it aligns with national data. But here’s what headlines skip: ROI depends on how much you borrow, what you study, and—most importantly—whether you finish.
Read the NC article: WRAL: College remains a good investment for most in NC. The underlying ROI thresholds come from Strada’s new analysis: Strada press release and the State Opportunity Index.
2 Big Truths People Miss
- Completion drives ROI. National research shows borrowers who don’t finish default far more often. Pew finds nearly 59% of borrowers who didn’t complete the degree or certificate they borrowed for experienced default, versus 23% for completers. Source: Pew, Jan. 30, 2024.
- Debt + field of study = your real payback. Strada’s 10-year ROI benchmark for 2025 is about $55,000 annual earnings for BA completers and $47,000 for AA completers—figures some majors (and some regions) won’t hit early on. Sources: Strada release; state-level context: Strada Index.
Compare the Paths: Time, Cost, and Pay
Use these national guideposts; check your local market before you borrow.
Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS)
- Time: ~4 years (longer if part-time/stop-outs)
- Cost: Varies widely by state and aid; the ROI threshold above is a useful “reality check.” (Strada)
- Earnings: Higher median/lifetime earnings for completers, but early career pay varies substantially by major.
Associate Degree (AA/AS—often via community college)
- Time: ~2 years; can stack to a BA later
- Cost: Typically lower than 4-year; many states offer tuition support
- Earnings: Strada’s 10-year ROI benchmark suggests ~$47,000 annual earnings target for 2025 completers (source)
Trade/Vocational Certificates (Less-than-2-Year Programs)
- Time: a few months to ~2 years (program/licensure dependent)
- Typical cost: National averages around $15,070 per year in 2022–23, with common ranges from ~$12k–$20k (BestColleges, IPEDS-based, May 2024)
- Earnings: Highly program-specific; many allied-health/industrial certificates can out-earn some BA fields early career. Review outcomes program-by-program.
Registered Apprenticeships (Earn While You Learn)
- Time: ~1–5 years (paid on-the-job + related instruction)
- Cost: Low out-of-pocket; you’re paid during training
- Typical earnings after completion (examples):
- Important risk: Completion. DOL/AIR analyses note overall RA completion rates have been below ~35% in recent years—so vet sponsor support carefully. Sources: AIR brief (Oct. 2023); U.S. DOL (Equity brief). Historical research also shows many starters never finish (DOL study).
“Do People Start but Not Finish Vocational or Apprenticeship Programs?”
Yes—and this is where outcomes diverge. For any pathway (degree, certificate, or apprenticeship), the biggest risk is starting and borrowing without finishing. Borrowers who don’t complete are far more likely to default (Pew). For apprenticeship programs specifically, national briefs cite sub-35% completion overall (AIR overview; DOL).
If you’re weighing vocational training or RA, ask providers for program-level completion, licensure pass rates, and job placement data. For broader context on sub-baccalaureate CTE completions, see NCES’s indicators: NCES: CTE in the U.S.
A 3-Step, No-Shame Decision Framework
- Total cost to you: Add tuition/fees and living costs, minus grants/employer aid. Trade programs average about $15,070 annually (2022–23) — source.
- Time to earnings: BA (~4y), AA (~2y), most certificates (months–2y), RA (paid day one, but top wages usually post-completion).
- Local pay reality: Verify with BLS OOH for your occupation and state. Examples above: Electricians, Plumbers/Pipefitters, HVAC. If projected pay won’t clear your annual borrowing comfortably, adjust your plan.
Why the NC Story Is Useful—As an Example
The WRAL article shows how state affordability and completion shape outcomes: more than two-thirds of graduates see a positive ROI in 10 years (WRAL), and Strada’s thresholds make the trade-offs explicit (Strada). The same logic applies in every state: finish + keep costs low + choose fields that pay.
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Quick FAQ
Is college still “worth it” nationally?
Often—for graduates. But outcomes hinge on borrowing, field, and completion. See Strada’s 2025 ROI thresholds and default risk for non-completers from Pew.
How long does trade school take and what does it cost?
Most certificates take months to ~2 years. Average annual trade-school cost was about $15,070 in 2022–23 (IPEDS) — BestColleges.
Do many apprentices fail to complete?
Yes. National briefs show overall registered apprenticeship completion below ~35%. Sources: AIR (2023); U.S. DOL.
What do skilled trades typically pay?
Recent BLS medians (May 2024): Electricians $62,350, Plumbers/Pipefitters $62,970, HVAC $59,810. Sources: BLS electricians, BLS plumbers, BLS HVAC.
Where can I see CTE/vocational completion trends?
Review national sub-baccalaureate CTE completion indicators at NCES and broader CTE stats at NCES CTE Statistics.
