Degree Dividend
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Hagerstown Community College vs Carroll Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Hagerstown MD · vs · Public, Westminster MD

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Carroll Community College comes closer — median earnings $44,349 against a $5,450 total, vs $41,615 at Hagerstown Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHagerstown Community CollegeCarroll Community College
Net price / yr$6,835$2,725
Total net cost$13,670$5,450
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,615$44,349
Median debt$11,000$11,750
Payback
20-year net return-$148,570-$85,670

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College?

Carroll Community College, at $2,725 a year after aid versus $6,835 — a gap of $4,110 a year, or $8,220 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College graduates earn more?

Carroll Community College graduates report a median $44,349 ten years after entry, $2,734 more than the $41,615 at Hagerstown Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College?

Hagerstown Community College: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $11,750 at Carroll Community College, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

39% of students finish at Hagerstown Community College, against 39% at Carroll Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Hagerstown Community College vs Carroll Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College a better value?
Carroll Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College?
Carroll Community College: $2,725/yr net price after aid versus $6,835/yr at Hagerstown Community College — a difference of $4,110 a year, or about $8,220 over four years.
Do Hagerstown Community College or Carroll Community College graduates earn more?
Carroll Community College graduates earn a median $44,349 ten years after entry, versus $41,615 at Hagerstown Community College — a $2,734 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.