At $4,072/yr net price, South Piedmont Community College graduates earn $37,308/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,308/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,072 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,308/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,308/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,508/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,726/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,822/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,458/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,846 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,999 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $17,470 |
The Risk Factor
35.2% of students at South Piedmont 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 Piedmont Community College delivers strong financial returns despite a concerning 35% graduation rate that creates significant risk for your investment. At $4,072 annually, the school costs far less than most alternatives, but you must actually complete your program to see benefits.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial case here. Nursing graduates earn $53,358 annually, turning your two-year investment into excellent returns within the regional healthcare market. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $47,846, as does business administration at $47,260. These three programs justify the investment even with graduation rate concerns.
Avoid health and medical administrative services, where graduates earn just $22,999 despite completing the same coursework requirements. Criminal justice sits in the middle at $36,848, offering decent but not strong returns for the time invested.
The school works best for motivated students who can handle the completion challenge independently. With only 18% of students receiving financial aid, you likely qualify for minimal federal assistance, making the low sticker price important for affordability. The rural Polkton location limits your backup options if you struggle academically.
You face real completion risk here, but the payoff in nursing and allied health programs makes sense if you have strong study habits and clear career focus. Students needing extensive academic support or those uncertain about their major should consider schools with higher graduation rates, even at higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Piedmont Community College worth the money?
South Piedmont Community College costs $4,072 per year and graduates earn $37,308 after 10 years, making it a decent value for the price. However, only 35% of students graduate, which means many don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at South Piedmont Community College?
Nursing programs at South Piedmont Community College offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $53,358 annually. Allied health and business programs also pay well at $47,846 and $47,260 respectively, while health administration graduates earn significantly less at $22,999.
How much debt do South Piedmont Community College students graduate with?
At $4,072 per year, South Piedmont Community College is affordable and students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year schools. The low cost makes it a lower-risk option even with the school's 35% graduation rate.
Should I avoid certain majors at South Piedmont Community College?
Health and medical administrative services graduates from South Piedmont Community College earn only $22,999, which may not justify even the low tuition cost. Criminal justice graduates earn $36,848, which is reasonable but not exceptional for the field.