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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest but real payoff. Net price sits at $8,470 a year, and median debt of $11,000 is small enough that most graduates can clear it without long-term strain. The tradeoff is a 26.5% graduation rate, which means the financial math only works if you actually finish.
The technical associate programs are where the money is. Quality Control and Safety Technologies leads at $65,387, well above the school's $43,405 median and strong for a two-year credential in Nebraska's manufacturing and agriculture economy. Electrical Engineering Technologies and Precision Metal Working both pay in the mid-$40,000s while keeping debt near $10,000, so your return per borrowed dollar is high. Registered Nursing pays $56,333 but carries the heaviest debt on the list at $19,286, so weigh that gap before enrolling.
The main risk here is completion, not cost. With roughly three in four students not graduating on time, dropping out leaves you with debt and no credential to raise your earnings. The school's payoff is also concentrated in hands-on technical and health fields. if you enroll planning to transfer or land in a program without listed earnings, the return is far less certain.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or nursing credential and plan to work in the Lincoln region after. If you're under $30k in family income, your net price drops to $4,165, making these programs a low-risk bet. Above $110k, you pay $11,174, still cheap for a manufacturing or electrical technician salary. If your goal is a bachelor's degree or a field not among these top programs, look at whether a transfer path or a four-year school serves you better.
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.