At $10,880/yr net price, Shelton State Community College graduates earn $35,014/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,014/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,880 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,014/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,014/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 42.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,835/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,628/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,687/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $55,964 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $46,321 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,699 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,534 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,267 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $17,717 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,060 |
The Risk Factor
21.5% of students at Shelton State 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
Shelton State Community College delivers strong returns for technical trades but weak outcomes for most other programs. At $10,880 annually, the school costs less than many alternatives, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right major.
Electrical maintenance technology and registered nursing graduates earn over $50,000 annually, making these programs clear financial winners. Vehicle repair technology also pays well at $46,321. These technical fields align with Alabama's industrial job market and justify the investment through solid wages that far exceed the state median.
The school's 21% graduation rate signals serious completion risks. Many students who start never finish, meaning you forfeit tuition payments without gaining credentials. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-paying programs where the earnings boost may not recover costs if you don't graduate.
Avoid liberal arts or general studies here. The median graduate earns just $35,014 after ten years, barely above what many high school graduates make. Without clear career pathways, these programs offer poor value at any price.
You're a good fit for Shelton State if you want specific technical training in high-demand fields like nursing or electrical work. The school works best for students who know exactly what they want to study and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you're exploring options or prefer a traditional college experience.
With only 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning program and finishing quickly to minimize total expenses while maximizing your credential's market value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shelton State Community College worth the cost?
Shelton State offers decent value for technical programs, with electrical maintenance grads earning $56,000 annually against a net cost of $10,880 per year. However, the 21.5% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Shelton State Community College?
Electrical maintenance technology and registered nursing are the top earners at around $55,000 annually. Vehicle repair technology also pays well at $46,000, making these programs the best ROI options at Shelton State.
How much debt do Shelton State Community College graduates have?
At $10,880 per year, Shelton State is relatively affordable for community college. Students who complete technical programs like electrical or nursing can typically pay off costs quickly given the higher starting salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Shelton State Community College?
Only 21.5% of students graduate from Shelton State, which is concerning for ROI. This low completion rate means many students pay costs without earning credentials that boost their income.