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 leaves you with a weak financial picture. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit at $39,825, and the 23% graduation rate means most people who start here never finish. That combination is the core problem: you pay for time and credits, but the odds of walking away with a credential are low.
The one program with reported earnings data is a Fine and Studio Arts certificate, and it pays about $22,485. That's below the school-wide median, so the standout program on paper is actually one of the weaker financial bets here. There is no bachelor-level program data to point you toward a degree that clearly pays off, which makes it hard to plan around a strong return.
The upside is cost control. Median debt is $8,000, low enough that you won't be buried if things don't work out. If you use South Mountain as a cheap first two years and transfer to a four-year school, the math changes and the low debt works in your favor.
The net price tiers run backwards from what helps most. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $11,383. over $110k you pay $16,572. But even the lowest tier is close to $11,400 a year, so lower-income families get limited relief here.
This school fits you if you plan to transfer, keep your borrowing near that $8,000 median, and treat it as a low-cost stepping stone. If you're looking for a terminal certificate or degree that lands a solid Phoenix-area salary on its own, the completion odds and the single low-paying program on record should push you to look elsewhere.
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.