At $9,837/yr net price, Salem Community College graduates earn $38,020/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,020/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,837 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,020/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,020/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,552/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,057/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,736/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,788/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,706/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 | $65,332 | $12,000 |
| Precision Production, Other. | Associate | $32,569 |
The Risk Factor
37.2% of students at Salem 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
Salem Community College gives you a modest financial return with one clear exception. The typical graduate earns about $38,000 ten years out, which is a real return over a median debt load kept under $10,000. That low debt is the school's main financial strength. You are not borrowing heavily to attend, so even middling earnings leave you with manageable payments.
Nursing is where the math actually works here. An associate degree in registered nursing pushes earnings to roughly $65,000, nearly double the school-wide median and well above the precision production associate at around $32,500. The extra debt nursing carries, around $12,000, pays for itself fast given that salary gap. Southern New Jersey's hospitals and long-term care facilities keep demand for nurses steady, so this is the program to target if you want your money back.
The precision production track earns less than the overall median graduate, so treat it as a trade entry point, not a payoff. Outside of nursing, the school's earnings numbers do not clear a strong bar, and the 37% graduation rate is the bigger risk. If you leave without finishing, you carry whatever debt you took on with none of the credential that lifts nursing pay.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, around $7,000 to $8,500 a year, and get the best deal. The cost climbs sharply as income rises, reaching over $16,000 a year above $110,000, so wealthier families pay close to sticker and should weigh that against the earnings.
This school is a good fit if you plan to enter nursing and want to keep debt low. If you are drawn to other programs, go in knowing the earnings are soft and finishing is the deciding factor in whether the cost pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Salem Community College offers good value with a net price of $9,837 per year and relatively low debt of $9,500. However, graduates earn $38,020 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Salem Community College?
Nursing programs at Salem Community College lead to the highest earnings at $65,332 annually. Other programs like Precision Production earn around $32,569, which is closer to the overall graduate average.
What is the graduation rate at Salem Community College and does it affect ROI?
Salem Community College has a 37% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall return on investment for many students.
Should I choose Salem Community College if I need financial aid?
Salem Community College is affordable with low tuition and manageable debt levels. The school works well for students seeking nursing careers, but those in other programs should consider whether the earnings justify even the low cost.