At $3,913/yr net price, Somerset Community College graduates earn $30,787/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,913 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,787/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,213/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,215 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,145/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,747/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,432/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,098/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,189/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 | $56,641 | $13,812 |
| 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 | $9,282 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,459 | $8,069 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $29,685 | $8,129 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,307 | $12,937 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $25,194 | $10,263 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $25,194 | $10,550 |
The Risk Factor
40.3% of students at Somerset 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
Somerset Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with a low net price of under $4,000 annually making it accessible even if outcomes vary widely by major.
Your best financial bets are the nursing and technical programs. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,641 annually, nearly double the school's overall median, while heavy equipment maintenance leads to $52,607 yearly. These programs justify their slightly higher debt loads with strong earning potential in eastern Kentucky's healthcare and industrial sectors.
The 40% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This risk hits hardest in lower-earning programs where the payoff barely exceeds what you could earn with just a high school diploma.
Somerset works best financially if you're targeting specific career training in nursing, automotive repair, or industrial equipment maintenance. The school's location in southeastern Kentucky aligns well with regional employers in healthcare systems and manufacturing facilities that actively hire from these programs.
Avoid Somerset if you're unsure about your career direction or considering transfer to a four-year school. The low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, and credits may not transfer cleanly to universities. With less than half of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay the full net price, though that amount remains manageable compared to other options.
Focus on completing your chosen program quickly. The longer you take, the more the low-cost advantage erodes, and your debt-to-earnings ratio suffers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Somerset Community College worth the cost?
Somerset Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,913 per year and median debt of just $12,215. The nursing and industrial equipment programs show solid earning potential above $50,000, though the overall 10-year median earnings of $30,787 reflects the mix of career-focused programs.
What are the best paying programs at Somerset Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $56,641, followed by Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance at $52,607. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn around $44,356, making healthcare and technical programs the strongest financial bets.
How much debt do Somerset Community College graduates have?
Somerset Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $12,215, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $3,913 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is Somerset Community College's graduation rate?
Somerset Community College has a 40.30% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. Many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working.