At $8,470/yr net price, Southeast Community College Area graduates earn $43,405/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,405/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,405/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,405/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,165/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,460/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,880/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,174/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $65,387 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,333 | $19,286 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,752 | $9,907 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $45,190 | $10,938 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $44,942 | $18,520 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,575 | $12,878 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $43,240 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,235 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 |
The Risk Factor
26.5% of students at Southeast Community College Area 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
Southeast Community College Area delivers strong returns for technical programs but weak outcomes overall due to a dismal 26.5% graduation rate. Your financial success depends entirely on picking the right program and actually finishing.
Quality Control and Safety Technologies offers the best payoff at $65,387 annually, while Registered Nursing provides solid middle-class earnings at $56,333 despite higher debt loads. Electrical Engineering Technologies and Industrial Production Technologies both clear $47,000 with manageable debt. These technical programs align well with Nebraska's manufacturing and healthcare job market.
The major financial risk is not graduating. Three out of four students leave without a credential, making their investment worthless. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career direction, this school poses significant financial danger.
This college works best for career-focused students entering high-demand technical fields who can commit to completion. Skip it if you're exploring general education or considering transfer to a four-year school. The low graduation rate suggests weak support systems for undecided students.
Financial aid reaches only 21% of students, indicating limited need-based support. The $8,470 annual cost is reasonable for working adults, but you must factor in opportunity costs if programs require full-time attendance. Focus on programs with strong local job placement rather than credentials that might not transfer well to other states or four-year institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Community College Area worth the cost?
Southeast Community College Area offers good value with a low net price of $8,470 annually and modest debt levels around $11,000. The low 26.5% graduation rate is concerning, but graduates who complete programs earn $43,405 annually within 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Southeast Community College Area?
Quality Control and Safety Technologies leads at $65,387 annually, followed by Registered Nursing at $56,333. Electrical Engineering Technologies and Industrial Production Technologies also provide solid returns above the school average.
How much debt do Southeast Community College Area graduates have?
Median debt is $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With the relatively low cost of attendance, most students can minimize borrowing if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Southeast Community College Area?
Only 26.5% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. Students should carefully consider their commitment level and choose programs with strong job placement records to maximize their chances of success.