At $10,314/yr net price, South Central College graduates earn $45,068/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,068/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,314 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,068/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,068/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,070/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,757/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,228/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,968/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,525/yr |
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. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $41,193 | $3,332 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at South Central College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South Central College delivers solid returns for technical programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine your investment. The 29% graduation rate means most students leave without credentials, making this a high-risk choice unless you're committed to finishing.
Civil engineering technology and nursing programs justify the costs with median earnings above $53,000. The civil engineering track offers particularly strong value with only $10,319 in debt against $58,673 in annual earnings. Nursing graduates earn $53,608 but carry $18,385 in debt, still a reasonable trade-off given Minnesota's healthcare job market.
HVAC and agricultural mechanization programs produce middle-income outcomes around $46,000-49,000 annually. These align well with regional demand in Minnesota's agricultural and construction sectors, though you'll need to weigh whether two-year training beats entering the workforce directly.
The low 32% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based support, but the $10,314 net price remains affordable for Minnesota residents. Your biggest financial risk is joining the 71% who don't complete their programs, leaving you with debt but no marketable credential.
This school works financially if you're career-focused, committed to finishing, and targeting specific technical fields with clear job pathways. Skip South Central if you're exploring options or lack strong motivation to complete coursework. The completion statistics show this environment demands self-direction and clear goals from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Central College worth the cost?
South Central College offers decent value for career-focused programs, with a low net price of $10,314 and typical debt of just $12,000. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What programs at South Central College have the best ROI?
Civil engineering technology and nursing programs provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $58,673 and $53,608 respectively. HVAC and agricultural mechanization also offer solid career prospects with earnings around $46,000-$49,000.
How much debt do South Central College graduates typically have?
South Central College graduates carry relatively low debt loads, with a median of $12,000. This manageable debt level helps improve the overall value proposition, especially for students in higher-paying technical programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from South Central College?
Job prospects vary significantly by program, with technical fields like civil engineering technology and nursing showing strong earning potential above $50,000. The college's focus on hands-on training aligns well with regional workforce needs in these areas.