At $4,322/yr net price, Dyersburg State Community College graduates earn $36,132/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,132/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,322 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,132/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,132/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,900 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,618/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,446/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,973/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,746/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,761/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 | $56,949 | $7,350 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,808 | $6,372 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
27.4% of students at Dyersburg 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
Dyersburg State Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $56,949 annually, making it one of the best community college nursing values in Tennessee at just $7,350 in typical debt.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $43,798 in median earnings. However, liberal arts graduates earn just $24,808 annually with $6,372 in debt, while business program graduates see similarly disappointing returns at $24,421.
The school's 27% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-paying programs who need every advantage to justify their investment.
Dyersburg makes financial sense if you can gain admission to nursing or allied health programs and have strong motivation to complete your degree. The rural west Tennessee job market supports healthcare careers well, and the low net price of $4,322 annually keeps total investment manageable.
Skip this school if you want liberal arts, business, or general studies. These programs offer poor earning potential relative to even the modest debt levels. Students interested in these fields should consider transferring to a four-year university after completing basic requirements elsewhere, or look into trade programs with clearer career pathways.
The school offers limited merit aid opportunities, with only 37% of students receiving financial assistance. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, especially given the concerning graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dyersburg State Community College worth the money?
For nursing programs, yes - graduates earn $57K annually with only $6,900 in debt. For other programs, the value is questionable since most graduates earn just $36K ten years later.
What are the best paying programs at Dyersburg State Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $57K annually, followed by allied health programs at $44K. Liberal arts and business programs pay around $24K, which is below the poverty line for many families.
How much debt will I have after Dyersburg State Community College?
The median debt is $6,900, which is manageable for nursing graduates but harder to pay off if you earn the typical $36K salary in other fields.
What is the graduation rate at Dyersburg State Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate makes the investment risky for many students.