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 keeps costs low and debt lower, but the payoff depends almost entirely on what you study. With median debt under $7,000 against a net price near $4,300 a year, you are unlikely to bury yourself financially here. The catch is that median earnings ten years out sit around $36,000, and the 27% graduation rate means most people who enroll never finish.
Nursing is the clear win. The associate nursing track pays roughly $57,000, more than double what the liberal arts and business tracks return. Allied health follows at close to $44,000, and health and medical administration clears $34,000. These programs feed a steady regional demand for healthcare workers, and the debt attached to nursing stays modest for the return you get.
The weak spots are liberal arts and business administration, both landing under $25,000. At those numbers you are barely ahead of where you started, and if you use the degree as a terminal credential the math does not work. Treat them as transfer stepping stones to a four-year school, not endpoints.
The real financial risk is not debt. It is the graduation rate. Paying even a low net price for a credential you never finish is money spent with nothing to show. Enroll only if you have a concrete plan to complete.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most: under $48,000 income, you pay around $3,500 a year. Above $75,000 the price climbs, and over $110,000 you pay close to $12,800, though that still undercuts most four-year options.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or allied health credential close to home for little debt, or a cheap first two years before transferring. Look elsewhere if you want a standalone business or liberal arts degree to carry you into a career.
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.