Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,068
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $58,673 | $10,319 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,608 | $18,385 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Certificate | $49,644 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $41,193 | $3,332 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $40,281 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $36,992 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $36,042 |
Outcomes Overview
South Central College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $12,000 creates monthly payments of just $127, consuming only 3.4% of typical graduate income. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 beats the national community college average. Alumni land jobs in manufacturing, healthcare support, and skilled trades across southern Minnesota. The 93.8% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for technical skills. Graduates earn $42,874 in their first year, climbing to $45,068 by year ten. The college's focus on practical training in welding, nursing assistance, and automotive technology pays off quickly. With low debt and solid earning potential, South Central College delivers a strong return on investment.