At $5,252/yr net price, Pellissippi State Community College graduates earn $38,440/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,440/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,252 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,440/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,440/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,725 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,736/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,623/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,902/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 | $48,617 | $12,625 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $43,240 | $6,750 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $42,235 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,381 | $8,540 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $28,327 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $28,055 | |
| Communications Technology/Technician. | Associate | $23,890 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,245 | $6,625 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at Pellissippi 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
Pellissippi State delivers solid returns for career-focused students, particularly in healthcare and technical fields. At $5,252 annually, the school costs less than half of what you'd pay at most four-year institutions, making the financial risk manageable even with the 28% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $48,617 despite carrying $12,625 in debt. Engineering technology also pays well at $43,240 with lower debt loads. Computer science graduates see strong returns without the debt burden of other programs. Business programs lag significantly, with management graduates earning just $28,381 against $8,540 in debt.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher wages. This makes Pellissippi best suited for motivated students who know exactly what career they want and can commit to finishing.
You should consider Pellissippi if you're targeting nursing, engineering technology, or computer science careers and want to minimize educational debt. The school works well for working adults since many programs offer flexible scheduling. Skip this school if you're unsure about your career direction or considering lower-paying business tracks.
Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay the full sticker price. Tennessee residents benefit from the state's Promise scholarship program, which can cover tuition entirely for eligible students. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pellissippi State Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,252 per year and median debt of just $8,725, Pellissippi State offers good value for students who complete programs in nursing or engineering technology. However, the 27.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Pellissippi State Community College?
Nursing programs lead with average earnings of $48,617, followed by engineering technology at $43,240 and computer science at $42,235. Business programs pay significantly less at around $28,000 annually.
How much debt do Pellissippi State Community College graduates have?
Graduates who borrow have a median debt of $8,725, which is manageable for a community college. The low cost keeps most students from taking on heavy debt loads.
What salary can I expect after graduating from Pellissippi State Community College?
The median earnings 10 years after enrollment is $38,440, though this varies widely by program. Nursing and engineering technology graduates earn well above this average, while business program graduates typically earn less.