At $4,474/yr net price, Southeastern Community College graduates earn $30,284/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,474 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,284/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,716/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,316/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,691/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,538/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,902/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 | $51,607 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,967 |
The Risk Factor
51.0% of students at Southeastern Community 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
Southeastern Community College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning over $51,000 annually, making it one of the best community college nursing programs in North Carolina relative to cost.
Your financial risk here depends entirely on your major choice. Clinical laboratory science graduates earn $26,000, which barely justifies the time investment even at this low-cost school. Other programs show similarly disappointing earnings that struggle to clear the $30,000 median across all graduates.
The 51% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. You face nearly even odds of completing your program, and dropouts still carry debt without credentials. This completion rate lags behind many community colleges in the region.
This school makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the competitive nursing program and complete it successfully. The program's selectivity means acceptance requires strong academic preparation, but graduates see immediate returns that justify the investment.
For other career paths, you should consider alternatives. The low median earnings suggest most programs here do not position graduates well in southeastern North Carolina's job market. Trade programs at other regional community colleges or four-year transfer pathways may offer better financial prospects.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, limiting your options if you need assistance. Merit scholarships appear limited, so plan to cover most costs through federal aid or out-of-pocket payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern Community College worth the cost?
Southeastern Community College offers good value with a low net price of $4,474 annually and nursing graduates earning over $51,000. However, the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Southeastern Community College?
Nursing programs at Southeastern Community College provide the best return, with graduates earning around $51,607 annually. Other health programs like medical laboratory science average $25,967, which is below the overall 10-year graduate earning average of $30,284.
How much debt do Southeastern Community College students typically graduate with?
With a net price of $4,474 per year, students can complete most two-year programs for under $9,000 total if they graduate on time. The low cost reduces debt risk compared to four-year colleges.
What is the job market like for Southeastern Community College graduates?
Nursing graduates from Southeastern Community College enter a strong job market with salaries above $51,000. Other program graduates earn around $30,284 after 10 years, which is modest but reflects the rural North Carolina job market.