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 gives you a low-cost entry with a solid payoff for the right programs, but the 28.6% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most. Fewer than three in ten students finish, and the debt and earnings figures below only apply if you're in that group.
The strongest bet here is the civil engineering technology associate degree, which pays around $58,700 against roughly $10,300 in debt. That's the cleanest deal on the list: high earnings, low borrowing. Nursing pays well too, near $53,600, but you take on about $18,400 in debt to get there, the heaviest borrowing of any top program. The HVAC and allied health programs land in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s, all tied to hands-on trades and healthcare jobs that hold up well in southern Minnesota. These are career-focused associate degrees and certificates, so the value comes from finishing fast and working locally, not from transferring elsewhere.
The financial risk is finishing at all. If you drop out, you keep the debt without the earnings that justify it. Pick a program with a clear job at the end and treat completion as the goal.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $8,070 a year, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $14,500. The gap is modest, so higher-income families get less of a discount than at many schools. At every income level the sticker stays under $15,000, which keeps total cost low if you finish in two years.
This school fits you if you want a trade, healthcare, or technical credential you can turn into a Minnesota job quickly and cheaply. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a bachelor's-level career, since the earnings data here reflects associate degrees and certificates only.
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.