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 costs little and returns little. At $4,542 a year, you are not risking much money, and that matters because the payoff here is thin. Ten years after starting, the median earnings sit at $32,999. That is above what the one reported program pays but below what a four-year degree elsewhere would return. This is a low-cost, low-outcome school, and that trade can work if you use it right.
The one program with earnings data is the associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and at $12,221 a year it does not pay for a living on its own. Treat that credential as a transfer step toward a four-year school, not an endpoint. If you stop after the associate and expect it to carry your income, the numbers say you will be disappointed.
The real risk here is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, so the biggest threat to your money is leaving with debt and no credential. A low net price only protects you if you graduate.
The net price barely moves for lower-income families: you pay about $3,538 under $30k and $4,528 in the $30-48k range. Above $48k, the price jumps to around $7,000, which changes the math for middle-income families but keeps it affordable in absolute terms.
This school fits you if you live near Ullin, want to keep costs down, and plan to transfer to a four-year program for the degree that actually raises your earnings. Look elsewhere if you need a terminal degree that lands you in a well-paying job right away, because the earnings data here does not support that plan.
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.