At $37,856/yr net price, Southeastern College-Columbia graduates earn $31,156/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,856 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $151,424 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,156/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,844/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $37,538/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $35,871/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $39,852/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $43,798/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,798/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $19,113 | $13,013 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,877 | $9,500 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $17,218 | $7,811 |
The Risk Factor
52.3% of students at Southeastern College-Columbia 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
Southeastern College-Columbia delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With a net price of nearly $38,000 annually and median post-graduation earnings of just $31,000, you'll earn less than what you paid for one year of school.
The earnings data reveals a concerning pattern across all major programs. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $19,113 annually while carrying $13,013 in debt. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services produces similar results at $18,877 in earnings with $9,500 in debt. Even the best-performing program, Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, generates only $17,218 annually.
These programs lead to careers that typically require additional certifications or licensing, adding more costs after graduation. The regional job market in Columbia offers healthcare support positions, but wages remain low compared to your educational investment.
The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. With 73% of students receiving financial aid, most attendees struggle to afford the high tuition costs.
This school might work for you only if you have significant financial support from family or employers, need very specific technical training not available elsewhere, or can attend part-time while working. Otherwise, community colleges in South Carolina offer similar healthcare programs at much lower costs with better financial outcomes.
Consider Midlands Technical College or other regional community colleges for healthcare training. They provide comparable education and job placement at a fraction of the cost, giving you a realistic path to positive ROI in these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern College-Columbia worth the cost?
With a net price of $37,856 per year and graduates earning only $31,156 annually after 10 years, Southeastern College-Columbia offers poor return on investment. The earnings are actually lower than the annual cost of attendance.
What are the best paying programs at Southeastern College-Columbia?
Even the highest-paying programs at Southeastern College-Columbia start around $19,000 annually for Health and Medical Administrative Services. All top programs pay significantly less than the school's annual cost, making financial recovery difficult.
How much debt do Southeastern College-Columbia graduates have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the school's high tuition costs. However, with low graduate earnings, even this modest debt burden may be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Southeastern College-Columbia?
Only 52% of students graduate from Southeastern College-Columbia. Combined with the poor earnings outcomes for those who do graduate, this presents significant financial risk for prospective students.