At $3,794/yr net price, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates earn $34,242/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $242/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,794 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,242/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$242/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 62.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,175 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,352/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,924/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,415/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,168/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,090/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 | $53,179 | $16,503 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $43,314 | $9,300 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $39,927 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $18,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,439 | $6,897 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,730 | $13,650 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,003 | $8,603 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths, with nursing and industrial maintenance programs leading the way. Your total investment of under $4,000 annually makes this one of the most affordable college options in Kentucky, and the median debt of just over $10,000 keeps financial risk manageable.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, generating median earnings of $53,179 against debt of $16,503. Heavy equipment maintenance also pays well at $43,314 with lower debt of $9,300, reflecting strong demand in Kentucky's manufacturing and logistics sectors. These technical programs align with regional employers like Corvette Assembly Plant and Amazon's fulfillment centers.
Computer science presents a cautionary tale, producing earnings of only $28,598 despite the technology sector's reputation for high pay. This likely reflects the regional job market's limited tech opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas.
You face graduation risk with only 52% of students completing their programs, though this completion rate exceeds many community colleges. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests either strong affordability or limited aid availability for middle-income families.
This school works best if you're pursuing hands-on technical training for regional employment, particularly in healthcare or manufacturing. Skip it if you want computer programming or plan to transfer to a four-year university, as your money might generate better returns elsewhere. The combination of rock-bottom costs and strong job placement in nursing and trades creates genuine value for career-focused students willing to stay in south-central Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College worth the money?
At $3,794 per year, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers decent value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $53,179 annually while typical graduates make $34,242, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost and manageable debt of around $10,175.
What are the best paying programs at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at $53,179 annually, followed by Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance at $43,314. Computer Science graduates only earn $28,598, making it a weaker choice despite the tech industry hype.
How much debt do Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates have?
Median debt is $10,175, which is manageable for most programs. With nursing graduates earning over $50,000 annually, the debt-to-income ratio works out well for the school's strongest programs.
What is the graduation rate at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College?
The graduation rate is 52.1%, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their programs. This is typical for community colleges but suggests you need strong motivation and study habits to succeed here.