At $33,952/yr net price, Southeastern College-West Palm Beach graduates earn $41,200/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,200/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,952 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,200/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,200/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,589/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,147/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,034/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,500/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,602/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 | $56,867 | $23,535 |
| Nursing. | Associate | $56,641 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $44,689 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $42,123 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,613 | $14,440 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,145 | $26,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,262 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,054 | $17,719 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,830 |
The Risk Factor
66.7% of students at Southeastern College-West Palm Beach graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southeastern College-West Palm Beach delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $41,200 barely covering the $33,952 annual cost. Your investment makes sense only if you enter the nursing programs, which generate starting salaries around $56,000 that justify the debt load.
The nursing tracks represent the school's only solid financial bet. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,867 while carrying $23,535 in debt, creating manageable monthly payments in South Florida's healthcare job market. Practical nursing offers a lower-cost entry point at $37,613 earnings with just $14,440 in debt. Other allied health programs fall short, paying around $42,000 while you still face the full tuition burden.
You face significant financial risks here. The 66.7% graduation rate means one in three students pays tuition without earning a degree. Non-nursing programs leave you with debt but limited earning power in an expensive regional market where rent and living costs consume most entry-level salaries.
This school works financially if you can secure admission to nursing and commit to completing the program. The 100% retention rate suggests strong student support, but that metric likely reflects the school's small size rather than strong services. Skip this school if you want business, liberal arts, or other non-healthcare programs where the cost-to-earnings ratio creates long-term financial strain.
With 77% of students receiving aid, investigate grant opportunities aggressively. Your goal should be reducing that $33,952 sticker price significantly, especially if you cannot access the higher-paying nursing tracks that make this investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern College-West Palm Beach worth the cost?
The ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $56,000 annually, which justifies the $34,000 annual cost, but other programs show weaker returns with overall graduate earnings of just $41,200 after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Southeastern College-West Palm Beach?
Registered Nursing and Nursing Administration programs offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $56,000-$57,000 annually. Other health programs like Allied Health pay around $42,000, while some vocational nursing tracks start closer to $37,000.
How much debt do Southeastern College-West Palm Beach graduates have?
The median debt load is $19,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but potentially problematic for lower-paying programs. With 10-year earnings averaging $41,200, debt payments could strain budgets for non-nursing majors.
Does Southeastern College-West Palm Beach have good graduation rates?
The 67% graduation rate is below average for private colleges. Combined with the high net price of $34,000 annually, this creates financial risk for students who may not complete their programs.