At $5,702/yr net price, Chattanooga State Community College graduates earn $37,598/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,598/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,702 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,598/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,598/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,419 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,205/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,197/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,047/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,077/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,242 | $13,500 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $50,060 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,965 | $13,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $48,641 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $44,170 | $5,079 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,208 | $13,595 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,907 | $7,704 |
The Risk Factor
21.9% of students at Chattanooga State Community 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
Chattanooga State Community College offers strong returns if you choose the right program, but the overall picture shows concerning completion rates that create financial risk. The school's technical and healthcare programs deliver solid earnings that justify the investment, while general studies pathways often lead to incomplete degrees.
Heavy equipment maintenance stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning $69,338 annually with minimal debt exposure. The nursing program also pays off well at $52,242, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $13,500. Engineering technology and allied health programs both crack $48,000 in median earnings, making them financially sound choices for your career investment.
The major red flag is the 21.9% graduation rate, meaning nearly four out of five students leave without completing their programs. This creates real financial danger since you'll still owe money even if you don't finish. Your debt load stays manageable at around $10,400 median, but only if you actually graduate and enter the workforce.
This school works best for students committed to specific technical or healthcare career paths who can handle the academic demands. The low net price of $5,702 makes it affordable for Tennessee residents, and the targeted programs serve the regional manufacturing and healthcare job markets effectively.
Avoid Chattanooga State if you're undecided about your major or considering it as a stepping stone to four-year schools. The completion statistics suggest many students struggle to finish, and transfer pathways aren't clearly established. Focus on the high-earning technical programs if you enroll, and have a clear completion plan before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga State Community College worth the cost?
At $5,702 per year with median graduate earnings of $37,598, the school offers decent value for the low price. However, the 22% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Chattanooga State Community College?
Heavy equipment maintenance technology graduates earn $69,338 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Nursing and engineering technology also provide solid returns with salaries around $50,000-$52,000.
How much debt do Chattanooga State Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $10,419, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With graduate earnings averaging $37,598, most students can reasonably pay off this debt within a few years.
What is the graduation rate at Chattanooga State Community College?
Only 22% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI calculations. Students who don't complete their programs miss out on the higher earnings that justify the investment.