At $6,017/yr net price, Roane State Community College graduates earn $39,407/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,407/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,017 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,068 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,407/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,407/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,454 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,781/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,047/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,994/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,455/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,194/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 | $47,846 | $11,685 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,240 | $10,900 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $42,424 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,193 | $5,312 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,489 | $9,548 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,615 | $7,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,448 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
32.1% of students at Roane 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
Roane State Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with a low net price of $6,017 annually and manageable debt levels across most fields. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, producing graduates earning $47,846 annually with debt of just $11,685. Dental support services and allied health programs also generate strong returns, with graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s.
Your program choice matters enormously at Roane State. Health-focused programs consistently outperform the college median of $39,407, while other fields likely fall well below this mark. The nursing program alone justifies attendance here, offering earnings that dwarf the modest debt load. Electromechanical instrumentation also shows promise at $42,424 annually.
The biggest financial risk at Roane State is the 32% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students never complete their programs. You face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond basic community college affordability.
Roane State makes financial sense if you can commit to completing a health sciences program, particularly nursing or dental support. The combination of low costs and strong health sector job demand in Tennessee creates genuine opportunity. Avoid this school if you lack clear program focus or struggle with completion, as the graduation rate indicates many students fail to finish. Students seeking broad liberal arts education or four-year transfer preparation should consider whether the low completion rates signal academic or support challenges that could derail your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roane State Community College worth the money?
Roane State offers solid value with a low net price of $6,017 per year and median debt under $8,500. However, the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Roane State Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at nearly $48,000 annually, followed by dental support services at $47,260. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $39,407.
How much debt do Roane State Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $8,454 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
Do Roane State Community College graduates make good money?
Overall graduate earnings average $39,407 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. Students in healthcare programs earn significantly more, while other fields may struggle to justify the investment.