At $6,369/yr net price, Snead State Community College graduates earn $35,735/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,735/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,369 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,735/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,735/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,408/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,889/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,248/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,635/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,550/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 | $52,822 | $8,740 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,280 | $8,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,592 |
The Risk Factor
48.5% of students at Snead State 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
Snead State Community College offers a solid financial return if you choose the right program and graduate. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $52,822 annually against just $8,740 in debt. That creates a strong debt-to-income ratio and quick payback period that makes this program worth your investment.
The computer science program also delivers reasonable returns at $33,993 in median earnings, though debt data isn't available. Liberal arts graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning just $21,280 annually while carrying $8,500 in debt. Business support services shows the weakest returns at under $20,000 annually.
Your biggest risk at Snead State is the 48.5% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning no degree and potential debt without the earnings boost. The relatively low $6,369 annual net price helps limit this downside, but you still lose time and money if you don't finish.
This school makes financial sense if you're targeting healthcare careers, particularly nursing. The program's strong earnings potential and manageable debt load create excellent ROI. Computer science also offers decent prospects. Avoid liberal arts or business programs unless you have specific career plans that justify the lower earnings.
With only 34% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay close to the full net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs and maximize your return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snead State Community College worth the money?
Snead State offers decent value for nursing students, who earn $52,822 after graduation, but other programs show poor returns. With a 48% graduation rate and $35,735 median earnings, most students would see better financial outcomes at other schools.
What are the best paying programs at Snead State Community College?
Nursing programs at Snead State pay the best at $52,822 annually, making them the only financially solid choice. Computer science graduates earn $33,993, while liberal arts and business support programs pay around $20,000 or less.
How much debt do Snead State Community College graduates have?
Snead State graduates typically carry $9,000 in debt, which is manageable for nursing students but problematic for liberal arts graduates earning just $21,280. The low debt load is the school's main financial advantage.
What is Snead State Community College's graduation rate?
Only 48.5% of students graduate from Snead State, meaning over half don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.