At $2,919/yr net price, South Suburban College graduates earn $33,680/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,919 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,680/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-320/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,923/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,391/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,560/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,329 |
The Risk Factor
24.2% of students at South Suburban 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 Suburban College costs almost nothing to attend, and that low price is the strongest part of its financial case. At under $3,000 a year net, you can finish an associate degree without taking on the debt that sinks most college ROI calculations. But the payoff after graduation is thin: median earnings ten years out land in the low $30,000s, which is barely above what many jobs pay without any degree at all.
The program you pick matters more here than at most schools. Allied Health graduates earn nearly double what Biological and Physical Sciences graduates make. If you enroll in the allied health track, you're looking at a real return on a tiny investment. If you go into general biological and physical sciences as a terminal associate degree, the numbers are weak, and that path only makes sense as a transfer step toward a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. Fewer than one in four students graduate, so the low sticker price only pays off if you're in the group that completes. Every semester you attend without earning the credential is money and time spent for no credential to show employers.
The net price stays low across income levels, but it climbs as you earn more. If your family makes under $30k, you'll pay under $2,000 a year. In the $75-110k range, the price nearly quadruples. Even at the top tier it's affordable compared to most colleges.
This school fits you if you're pursuing allied health or using it as a cheap transfer launch point and you're confident you'll finish. If you want a terminal associate degree in a low-earning field, or you struggle to complete programs, the modest cost won't rescue the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Suburban College worth the cost?
South Suburban College offers a low net price of $2,919 annually, making it affordable even with below-average graduate earnings of $33,680. The value depends heavily on your program choice, as allied health graduates earn $42,682 while biological sciences graduates average just $22,329.
What is the graduation rate at South Suburban College?
South Suburban College has a 24% graduation rate, which is low compared to national averages. This means most students either transfer or drop out before completing their programs.
Which programs at South Suburban College have the best ROI?
Allied health programs offer the strongest return on investment at South Suburban College, with graduates earning $42,682 annually. Other programs like biological sciences show much lower earnings potential at $22,329.
How much debt do South Suburban College graduates typically have?
With a net price of only $2,919 per year, students can complete programs at South Suburban College with minimal debt if they graduate on time. The low cost makes it accessible for students paying out of pocket or using financial aid.