At $3,537/yr net price, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College graduates earn $29,482/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,537 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,482/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,518/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,919 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,393/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,346/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,873/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,485/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 | $50,856 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | $12,692 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $26,121 | $7,793 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | $7,618 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at Southeast Kentucky Community & 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
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College offers a mixed financial picture where your program choice determines whether you get solid returns or struggle financially. The school's $3,537 annual net price keeps costs manageable, but the 44% graduation rate means many students leave without credentials.
Nursing delivers the strongest ROI at this school, with graduates earning $50,856 annually against just $9,000 in debt. Allied health programs also pay off well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties producing $41,565 salaries. These healthcare-focused programs align with regional demand in Appalachian Kentucky, where medical facilities need trained workers.
Liberal arts students face poor financial outcomes here, earning just $18,315 annually with nearly $8,000 in debt. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years. General studies programs similarly underperform the job market.
The low graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. If you struggle to complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credentials needed for better-paying jobs. The regional economy limits opportunities for graduates who don't enter healthcare or skilled trades.
This school works financially if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and have the academic preparation to complete them. Your location in southeastern Kentucky means limited job mobility, so these programs must align with local employer needs. Students seeking liberal arts education or unsure about their career direction should consider other options with stronger completion rates and broader regional opportunities.
The school's low cost helps, but only if you actually graduate in a program that pays well in the local market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College worth the cost?
For nursing and allied health programs, yes - graduates earn $41,000-$51,000 annually with relatively low debt of $6,919. However, general studies graduates earn only $18,315, making the ROI questionable for non-healthcare programs.
What is the job market like for Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College graduates?
Healthcare program graduates do well with registered nursing leading at $50,856 annually. Other programs show much lower earnings, with liberal arts graduates earning just $18,315 per year.
How much debt do Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College students graduate with?
Median debt is $6,919, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for liberal arts students earning under $20,000 annually. The low net price of $3,537 per year helps keep debt reasonable.
What is the graduation rate at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College?
The graduation rate is 43.6%, meaning more than half of students don't complete their programs. This increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.