At $10,421/yr net price, Motlow State Community College graduates earn $40,397/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,397/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,421 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,397/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,397/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,783/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,004/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,688/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,861/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,182/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 | $52,107 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,615 | $3,500 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Motlow 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
Motlow State Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $52,107 annually, making it one of the stronger community college nursing programs in Tennessee's job market. This salary easily justifies the investment given the school's low net price of $10,421 per year.
Liberal arts graduates face a much different reality, earning just $24,615 ten years after graduation. While their debt load stays minimal at $3,500, these earnings barely exceed what you could make without a degree in many Tennessee markets. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school, this pathway makes more sense financially.
The school's 29% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly three in four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate suggests you need strong self-direction and clear career goals to succeed here.
Motlow works best for career-focused students targeting specific technical fields like nursing, or for those using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The low percentage of students receiving aid (29%) indicates either strong regional affordability or limited financial support, so verify your aid eligibility early.
Skip this school if you're uncertain about your major or need extensive academic support services. The combination of low graduation rates and poor earnings in general studies programs makes it a risky choice for exploratory students or those without clear career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Motlow State Community College worth the cost?
Motlow State's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $52,000 annually, making the $10,421 yearly cost worthwhile, but liberal arts graduates average just $24,615.
What is the return on investment for Motlow State Community College?
With average earnings of $40,397 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $10,421 per year, most students see positive returns within 3-4 years. However, the 28.7% graduation rate means many students never complete their programs.
Which programs at Motlow State Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs offer the strongest financial returns at Motlow State, with graduates earning around $52,000 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show much weaker earning potential at $24,615.
How much debt do Motlow State Community College students typically graduate with?
As a community college with a net price of $10,421 per year, Motlow State students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year institutions. The low cost makes it accessible even without significant financial aid.