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 keeps your costs low, and that's the foundation of its ROI case. With a net price near $6,000 a year and median debt of just $9,000, you're not risking much money to attend. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit under $36,000, so the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick.
Nursing is the clear winner. An associate degree in registered nursing pays around $53,000 while carrying debt roughly in line with the school average. That's the one program here where the numbers work strongly in your favor, and it reflects steady demand for nurses in the region. Computer and information sciences lands in the middle at about $34,000, close to the school's overall median.
The other two listed programs are where the math breaks down. Liberal arts and general studies pays around $21,000, and business operations support pays under $20,000. You'd carry $8,500 in debt for the liberal arts track and earn barely above minimum-wage annual levels. If you enroll in these programs expecting them to stand on their own, the return is weak. They make more sense as a cheap transfer step toward a four-year degree elsewhere.
The biggest risk here is the 48.5% graduation rate. Half of students don't finish, and if you take on debt and leave without the credential, you get the cost with none of the earnings bump.
Net price actually climbs as family income rises, so if your family earns over $48,000, you'll pay more than lower-income families here. Snead State is a good financial fit if you're targeting nursing or using it as a low-cost transfer launch. If you want the general studies or business track to lead directly to a solid salary, look elsewhere.
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.