Somerset Community College: $4,656 Tuition

$4,656Tuition

3,899Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,787Earnings

#23 in KentuckyPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Somerset Community College

Somerset Community College serves the mountainous regions of south-central Kentucky as a practical launching pad for local students. The college enrolls 3,899 students in a town-remote setting that reflects the rural character of Appalachian Kentucky. Nearly all students are Kentucky residents (99.52%) who come here for career training in fields like nursing, welding, and automotive technology, or to complete transfer credits before moving to four-year universities.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families in this region. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,145 after aid, while the average net price across all income levels is $3,913. Graduates earn a median of $30,787 ten years after enrollment, which provides decent returns for the modest debt load of $12,215. Monthly loan payments average just $129, making this an affordable path to stable employment in eastern Kentucky's limited job market.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body (64.81%), reflecting the college's strength in healthcare programs that appeal to female students. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention that helps explain the 88.2% employment rate among graduates. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the college's role serving economically disadvantaged communities in rural Kentucky.

Academics & Faculty

Somerset Community College focuses on career training and transfer preparation for students across south-central Kentucky. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in a community college setting. About 40% of students complete their programs within six years, which aligns with typical community college completion patterns where many attend part-time or transfer before finishing. The college serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or seeking workforce credentials. Nearly all students come from Kentucky, reflecting the college's role as a regional educational center. Programs emphasize practical skills training alongside general education requirements for transfer students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 95.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,787

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,641
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Associate	$52,607
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$44,356
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$41,205
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$37,896
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$33,459
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$29,685
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,307
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$25,194
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$25,194

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

Somerset Community College sits in a small Kentucky town of about 11,000 people, roughly 75 miles south of Lexington. The campus serves nearly 3,900 students in the foothills of Appalachia, where you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and lighter clothes for humid summers reaching the 80s. Women make up 65% of the student body, and 99.5% of students come from Kentucky.

As a commuter campus, most students drive in for classes and head home afterward. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes where professors know your name. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, especially since 43% receive Pell Grants. Weekend life revolves around the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest for hiking and Lake Cumberland for boating. Downtown Somerset offers basic restaurants and shops, but students often drive to Lexington for bigger entertainment. The college focuses heavily on career training programs that prepare students for jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and other growing fields in rural Kentucky.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 2002

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–45°F
July Avg: 69°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.3"
Annual Snowfall: 5.4"

Student Demographics

Somerset Community College draws students from across south-central Kentucky who want affordable education close to home. Nearly all students come from within the state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational anchor in this rural region. The student body is predominantly female, which aligns with the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract more women. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking career training or a pathway to four-year degrees without breaking the bank.

Men: 35.2%
Women: 64.8%
White: 91.7%
Black: 1.2%
Hispanic: 3.4%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.4%

Location

Somerset Community College sits in Somerset, Kentucky, about 75 miles south of Lexington in the heart of Appalachian Kentucky. The town of 11,000 residents serves as a regional center for rural communities scattered across the Cumberland Mountains. With 91.69% of students identifying as white and 99.52% coming from in-state, the college reflects the demographics of south-central Kentucky's coal and farming communities. Lake Cumberland, one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, draws tourists to the area for boating and fishing. The mountainous terrain and small-town setting create a close-knit atmosphere where outdoor recreation meets Appalachian culture. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Somerset Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Somerset, Kentucky 42501-2973

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,787
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,937
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $129/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,215

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Somerset Community College?

As a community college, Somerset maintains an open admission policy that welcomes students with varying academic backgrounds. The college serves 3,899 students across its programs, with nearly all students (99.52%) coming from Kentucky. This accessibility makes it an important educational gateway for residents of south-central Kentucky seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Somerset Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $3,913 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,145 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay around $10,189. With 43.43% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and low-income students seeking career training.

What academic programs is Somerset Community College known for?

Somerset focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for Kentucky's workforce needs. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small enough for personalized attention. The college emphasizes practical skills training alongside academic preparation for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.

What are the employment outcomes for Somerset Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 88.2% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in regional industries. The median earnings after 10 years reach $30,787, which is competitive for the rural Kentucky job market. However, the 40.30% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs, often due to work and family obligations common in the region.

Where is Somerset Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Somerset, Kentucky, a town-remote setting that serves the broader south-central Kentucky region. With 64.81% women and 91.69% white students, the campus reflects the demographics of rural Appalachian Kentucky. Founded in 2002, it's one of the newer institutions in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

How manageable is student debt at Somerset Community College?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $12,215, resulting in manageable monthly payments of $129. Only 15.95% of students take federal loans, indicating that many can afford the college without borrowing. The low debt burden makes Somerset an attractive option for students seeking career credentials without the financial stress common at four-year institutions.