Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $32,954
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,357
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $99/mo
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 | $58,334 | $13,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $35,416 | $8,250 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $19,749 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,467 | $7,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Big Sandy graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads, owing a median of $9,357 compared to national community college averages near $15,000. Monthly loan payments of $99 represent just 3.6% of median earnings after ten years ($32,954). The 90.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement in Eastern Kentucky's healthcare, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Many graduates work as medical assistants, automotive technicians, and in coal industry support roles. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 sits well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals financial strain. With low borrowing costs and solid employment outcomes in a region with limited four-year options, Big Sandy delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.