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's financial picture depends almost entirely on what you study. The $4,530 net price and $9,357 median debt are low, so the downside risk is small. But the $32,954 median earnings ten years out sit close to what a Kentucky high school graduate makes, which means the typical Big Sandy credential does not move your income much.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pays about $58,334, nearly $25,000 more than the school's median, and it holds up against the region's demand for hospital and clinic staff. That gap is the difference between a degree that pays for itself in a year and one that barely clears break-even. The electrical and power transmission certificate at $35,416 is a solid second, tied to utility and line work across eastern Kentucky.
The rest is weaker. Dental support and allied health diagnostic programs land near or below $30,000, and the multi/interdisciplinary studies associate at $33,993 pays little over the school median. These associate credentials carry real cost in time even when tuition is cheap, and the earnings do not justify treating them as a career endpoint.
The main risk here is the 38.4% graduation rate. If you enroll and do not finish, you carry the debt without the credential, and most Big Sandy programs already produce modest earnings. Nursing has selective clinical requirements, so a seat is not guaranteed.
Net price stays under $4,000 if your family earns below $48,000, and it climbs past $10,000 above $110,000. For a lower-income family aiming at the nursing program, this is a strong-value bet. If you cannot get into nursing or the electrical certificate, look hard at whether another path pays more before committing.
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.