At $970/yr net price, George C Wallace State Community College-Selma graduates earn $31,598/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $970 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $3,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,598/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,402/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $497/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,645/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,753/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,060/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 | $56,087 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma 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
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma offers an strong financial value with a net cost of just $970 per year, making it one of the most affordable college options in Alabama. Your total debt burden will be minimal, giving you flexibility after graduation that students at expensive four-year schools don't have.
The nursing program stands out as your strongest financial bet, with graduates earning $56,087 annually. This salary provides solid middle-class income in Alabama's cost structure and pays off your investment quickly. Precision metal working also delivers decent returns at nearly $30,000 yearly, aligning well with manufacturing jobs in the region.
You should avoid the liberal arts and business programs if financial return matters to you. These tracks lead to earnings barely above $20,000, which struggles to support a family even in rural Alabama. The 39% graduation rate signals that many students don't complete their programs, which eliminates any financial benefit.
This school works best if you're focused on nursing or skilled trades and want to minimize debt. The low cost means you can afford to take risks that would be financially devastating at expensive colleges. You can also use this as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university while keeping costs down.
With only 37% of students receiving financial aid, most families can afford the tuition without assistance. However, if you qualify for Pell grants, your education could be completely free. The school's location in Selma provides access to Montgomery-area healthcare systems and manufacturing plants, though job opportunities remain limited compared to larger Alabama cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George C Wallace State Community College-Selma worth the cost?
With a net price of just $970 per year and nursing graduates earning $56,087 annually, the school offers strong ROI for healthcare programs. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
Which programs at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs lead to the highest earnings at $56,087 annually. Precision metalworking also pays well at $29,685, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $21,052.
What are the biggest risks of attending George C Wallace State Community College-Selma?
The low 39% graduation rate means 6 out of 10 students don't finish their programs. Students in liberal arts and business support programs face limited earning potential after graduation.
How much debt do George C Wallace State Community College-Selma students typically have?
The extremely low net price of $970 per year means most students graduate with minimal debt. This makes the school financially accessible even for students from low-income families.