At $6,742/yr net price, Seward County Community College graduates earn $41,445/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,445/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,742 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,445/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,445/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,742/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 | $52,107 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Seward County Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Seward County Community College delivers solid returns for nursing students but mixed results overall. Your median earnings of $41,445 after ten years represent a reasonable payoff given the low $6,742 annual cost, though the 46% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their programs.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at this school, generating $52,107 in median earnings that justify the investment. Other programs lag significantly behind, making your choice of major critical to your financial outcome.
The low debt load of $6,500 reduces your financial risk, but the poor completion rate creates a different concern. If you struggle to finish your program, you'll face opportunity costs without the credential boost. The school's rural Kansas location limits local job opportunities, so you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize earnings potential.
This school works best for nursing students who can handle the program requirements and students pursuing other fields who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. The combination of low cost and transferable credits makes it a viable stepping stone. Students seeking immediate workforce entry in non-healthcare fields should examine job prospects carefully, as earnings may not justify even this modest investment.
Only 20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either limited need-based assistance or that most students can afford the already-low tuition. The minimal debt levels indicate you can likely graduate without significant financial strain, assuming you complete your program successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seward County Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $6,742 per year net price, Seward County Community College offers relatively affordable education, but graduates earn a median of $41,445 after 10 years. The low cost helps offset the below-average earnings, making it a reasonable choice for students seeking minimal debt.
What programs at Seward County Community College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Seward County Community College offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $52,107 annually. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $41,445.
How much debt do Seward County Community College students typically graduate with?
Students at Seward County Community College graduate with a median debt of $6,500, which is manageable given the low net price. The relatively small debt load reduces financial risk even with modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Seward County Community College and does it affect value?
Seward County Community College has a 46.40% graduation rate, meaning over half of students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially if you're not committed to finishing your degree.