At $7,661/yr net price, Salt Lake Community College graduates earn $47,867/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,867/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,661 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,867/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,867/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,003 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,148/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,157/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,839/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,194/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,805/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $53,775 | $8,041 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,848 | $9,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $48,745 | $6,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $9,553 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $43,240 | $8,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,565 | $7,819 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,007 | $10,083 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 | $8,238 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $35,060 | $9,053 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
29.7% of students at Salt Lake 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
Salt Lake Community College delivers strong financial returns for career-focused students willing to complete their programs. The low net price of $7,661 annually combined with manageable debt loads creates favorable economics for graduates who enter high-demand local industries.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Computer science graduates earn $53,775 annually with just $8,041 in debt, while nursing graduates pull in $52,848 with $9,000 in debt. Vehicle maintenance and dental support services also provide solid returns above $48,000 annually. These programs align well with Salt Lake City's growing tech sector and healthcare demand.
The major financial risk is the 29.70% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll face debt without the credential needed for higher wages. SLCC works best for students with clear career goals who can commit to finishing their degrees.
Only 16.20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the relatively low tuition without extensive borrowing. This makes SLCC particularly attractive for working adults and career changers who can pay as they go while maintaining employment.
You should consider SLCC if you want technical skills training for Utah's job market without accumulating heavy debt. The school makes less sense if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, given the low completion rates. Students seeking liberal arts education or prestige credentials should look elsewhere, but those targeting practical career preparation will find solid financial returns in the right programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salt Lake Community College worth the money?
Salt Lake Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $7,661 per year and graduates earning $47,867 annually after 10 years. The low debt burden of $8,003 median makes it financially accessible, though the 29.7% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Salt Lake Community College?
Computer and Information Sciences leads with graduates earning $53,775 annually, followed by nursing programs at $52,848. Vehicle maintenance and dental support programs also perform well, with graduates earning around $48,000.
How much debt do Salt Lake Community College graduates have?
Salt Lake Community College graduates have a median debt of just $8,003, which is manageable compared to most colleges. This low debt load makes the financial risk minimal even if career outcomes vary.
What is the graduation rate at Salt Lake Community College?
Salt Lake Community College has a 29.7% graduation rate, meaning about 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is typical for community colleges but represents a significant risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning credentials.