At $4,530/yr net price, Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduates earn $32,954/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,530 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,954/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,046/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,357 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,962/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,936/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,618/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,029/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
38.4% of students at Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The low annual cost makes it accessible, but your success depends heavily on which field you enter and whether you graduate.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially at Big Sandy, with graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. This premium reflects strong healthcare demand in eastern Kentucky. Electrical and power transmission programs also deliver strong returns at over $35,000, tapping into regional energy sector opportunities. These technical fields justify the investment.
The weaker programs present more risk. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics produce modest earnings that barely exceed what many high school graduates earn locally. Multi-interdisciplinary studies offers little career focus, making job placement uncertain.
Your biggest financial risk at Big Sandy is not graduating. The 38% completion rate means most students never see any return on their investment. If you struggle with coursework or lack clear career goals, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential.
Big Sandy works best for students committed to healthcare or technical trades who can complete their programs. The regional job market supports these graduates reasonably well. You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or plan to transfer to a four-year school, as the academic transfer pathways appear limited.
The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests fewer scholarship opportunities compared to other community colleges. Plan to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans, though the affordable tuition keeps total borrowing manageable for graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Sandy Community and Technical College worth the money?
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers good value with a low net price of $4,530 per year and modest debt of $9,357. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $33,000 after 10 years are below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Big Sandy Community and Technical College?
Nursing programs at Big Sandy Community and Technical College lead to the highest earnings at around $58,000 annually. Electrical and power transmission programs also pay well at $35,400, while other programs typically result in earnings closer to $30,000.
How much debt do Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduates have?
Big Sandy Community and Technical College graduates typically have $9,357 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The low cost and modest debt make it less risky financially than many other college options.
Why is Big Sandy Community and Technical College's graduation rate so low?
Big Sandy Community and Technical College has a 38% graduation rate, which reflects challenges common at community colleges including part-time enrollment and students balancing work and family responsibilities. This means many students may not complete their programs or take longer than expected to finish.