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 gives you a low-cost path with modest but real payoff. You borrow around $8,000 and land near $48,000 a decade out, so debt stays well below one year of typical earnings. That ratio is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The programs that pay are technical and health-focused. Computer and information sciences and registered nursing both clear $52,000 at the associate level, and vehicle maintenance pays nearly as much while leaving you with the lowest debt of any top program. Dental support and allied health earnings sit lower and come with higher debt near $9,500, so watch that gap if you head into those fields. Every strong outcome here is an associate degree or occupational track, not a bachelor's, so treat SLCC as job training or a transfer step, not a final credential for higher-paying careers.
The real risk is finishing. Fewer than a third of students graduate, and the low debt only protects you if you actually complete and enter the workforce. Drop out and you carry loans without the credential that pays them back.
Your net price barely moves with income at the low end: under $30k you pay about $6,100, and the $30-48k tier isn't far behind. Above $75k the price climbs past $11,000, which still keeps this among the cheaper options in the Salt Lake area.
This school fits you if you want a nursing, IT, or trades credential fast and cheap, or a low-cost start before transferring to a four-year school. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level career and want it under one roof, since the earnings data here caps out at associate-level work.
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.