At $5,249/yr net price, Bevill State Community College graduates earn $34,107/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $107/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,249 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,107/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$107/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 196.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,071/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,464/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,392/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $2,084/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 | $50,806 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $36,992 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,124 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $31,851 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,683 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at Bevill State Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bevill State Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right program. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $50,806 annually, making it one of Alabama's better community college investments at this price point.
Your strongest financial bets are the technical programs. Electrical and power transmission training leads to $46,087 salaries, while precision metalworking graduates earn $42,682. These programs align well with Alabama's industrial base and typically offer immediate job placement after completion.
The 43% graduation rate signals real completion challenges you need to consider. This means over half of students don't finish their programs, often leaving with debt but no credential. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests most students pay out of pocket, which could indicate either affordability or limited aid availability.
Bevill State works best if you're targeting specific trades or nursing, live locally to avoid housing costs, and can commit fully to finishing your program. The location in rural Alabama limits your job market primarily to healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.
Avoid this school if you're uncertain about your career direction, need extensive student support services, or want transferable academic credits for a four-year degree. The general education and liberal arts tracks show weaker earning potential and may not justify even the relatively low cost.
Your best financial strategy involves choosing one of the top-earning programs, completing it quickly, and staying in Alabama where these credentials carry the most weight with local employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bevill State Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $5,249 per year and graduates earning $34,107 annually after 10 years, Bevill State offers a reasonable return on investment for a community college. The low cost helps minimize debt risk, though the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Bevill State Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $50,800 annually, followed by electrical and power transmission at $46,087. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $34,107.
How much debt do Bevill State Community College students typically have?
The low annual cost of $5,249 helps keep debt manageable for most students. Community college graduates generally carry less debt than four-year university students, making Bevill State a lower-risk option financially.
Should I choose Bevill State Community College over a four-year university?
Bevill State makes sense if you're targeting specific technical fields like nursing or electrical work, where the ROI is strong. For careers requiring bachelor's degrees, the lower graduation rate and limited earning potential may not justify skipping a four-year program.