At $4,542/yr net price, Shawnee Community College graduates earn $32,999/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,542 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,999/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,001/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,538/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,528/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,056/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,993/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $12,221 |
The Risk Factor
44.1% of students at Shawnee 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
Shawnee Community College delivers weak financial returns that place graduates well below regional earning potential. With median earnings of $33,000 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate under 45%, your investment faces significant completion risk alongside limited income growth.
The college's flagship Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces particularly concerning outcomes, with graduates earning just $12,221 annually. This figure falls far below living wages in southern Illinois and suggests many graduates either remain underemployed or pursue additional education elsewhere. You should view this program as a stepping stone requiring transfer to a four-year institution rather than a terminal degree.
Your biggest financial risk at Shawnee involves opportunity cost. The low graduation rate means you face nearly even odds of completing your program, while those who do finish often earn less than high school graduates in many regional industries. The rural location limits internship and job networking opportunities that could offset these earnings gaps.
Shawnee works financially if you plan to transfer credits to a four-year school and want to minimize early college costs. The $4,542 annual net price provides affordable general education requirements. You might also find value in specific vocational programs not reflected in the earnings data, particularly those aligned with local healthcare or manufacturing needs.
Avoid Shawnee if you need immediate career preparation or expect your associate degree to provide living wages. The college offers limited merit scholarships, so your primary cost advantage comes from the low base tuition rather than additional aid opportunities. Consider regional four-year schools or community colleges with stronger job placement records if you want better earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shawnee Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Shawnee Community College has a low net price of $4,542 per year, but graduates earn only $32,999 annually after 10 years. The 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Shawnee Community College have the best job prospects?
The top programs are Liberal Arts and Sciences and General Studies, but these typically lead to median earnings of $12,221. These are transfer-focused programs rather than career training that leads directly to higher-paying jobs.
How much debt do Shawnee Community College students typically graduate with?
The low net price of $4,542 per year means students can graduate with minimal debt if they finish on time. However, with only 44% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I choose Shawnee Community College or a four-year university for better earnings?
Shawnee Community College costs less upfront but leads to lower lifetime earnings at $32,999 after 10 years. It works best as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school rather than as a final degree destination.