At $11,942/yr net price, South Mountain Community College graduates earn $39,825/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,825/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,942 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,825/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,825/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,383/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,804/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,009/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,269/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,572/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $22,485 |
The Risk Factor
23.1% of students at South Mountain Community 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 Mountain Community College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $39,825 ten years after attendance. Your low graduation rate of 23% means most students never complete their programs, making the already weak earnings potential even worse.
The Fine and Studio Arts program shows particularly troubling numbers at $22,485 annually. This income barely covers basic living expenses in Phoenix and provides virtually no return on your educational investment. Other programs at South Mountain lack sufficient earnings data, which itself signals limited job market success for graduates.
Your financial risks here are substantial. With only one in four students graduating, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The median debt of $8,000 may seem manageable, but becomes problematic when paired with such low completion rates and weak earning potential.
South Mountain works financially only if you plan to transfer quickly to a four-year institution or need extremely low-cost access to basic coursework. The net price of $11,942 annually represents decent value for community college credits, but only if you avoid getting stuck in non-completing status.
With just 27% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay closer to full price. Merit scholarships appear limited given the low aid percentage. Your best financial strategy involves completing your program rapidly and transferring to a university with stronger job market connections, or pursuing specific workforce certifications that lead directly to employment in Phoenix's growing healthcare and technology sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Mountain Community College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $39,825 annually after 10 years and a net price of $11,942 per year, South Mountain Community College offers modest returns. The low graduation rate of 23% means most students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at South Mountain Community College?
Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn around $22,485 annually, which is significantly below the school's overall graduate average of $39,825. Most programs at South Mountain lead to below-average earnings compared to other colleges.
How much debt do South Mountain Community College students typically have?
The median debt for South Mountain Community College graduates is $8,000, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with earnings around $39,825 after 10 years, debt repayment should be manageable for most graduates.
Does South Mountain Community College have good job placement rates?
South Mountain Community College has a 23% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. The school's graduate earnings of $39,825 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.