At $12,812/yr net price, Southeastern Community College graduates earn $36,882/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,882/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,882/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,882/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,279/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,223/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,343/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,793/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,582/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 | $54,597 | $18,475 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $38,871 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,171 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,305 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,443 | $12,608 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,117 | $9,700 |
The Risk Factor
43.3% 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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on your program choice. The median graduate earns $36,882 a year ten years out, and you carry a modest $12,000 in debt to get there. That debt load is one of the school's strongest points. It's low enough that even a middling salary keeps your monthly payments manageable, so the downside risk here is limited.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. At roughly $54,600 a year, it pays about $20,000 more than the school's median and far outruns business or precision metal working. The catch is debt: nursing graduates borrow $18,475, well above the campus median, though the earnings easily justify it. Allied health follows at about $45,700, another solid bet tied directly to the regional hospital and clinic demand you'd expect in a healthcare-anchored area like West Burlington.
The weaker payoffs are business administration and precision metal working, both landing near $34,000. That's close to the school's overall median and barely above what many jobs pay without a credential. If one of these is your plan, the return is thin, and you should weigh whether the two years are worth it for you.
The bigger risk is the 43% graduation rate. More than half of enrolled students don't finish, and if you're one of them, you pay the net price without the credential that makes it pay off.
On cost, the income tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay around $10,000 to $11,000 a year. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $16,600. This school fits you well if you're targeting nursing or allied health and can finish. Look elsewhere if you're chasing the business or trades tracks and can find a cheaper or faster path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeastern Community College worth the cost?
For nursing programs, yes - graduates earn $54,597 annually against $12,000 in debt. Other programs show weaker returns, with general graduates earning just $36,882 ten years out.
What are the best paying programs at Southeastern Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $54,597 annually, followed by allied health programs at $45,696. Business and precision metalworking programs pay significantly less at around $34,000.
How much debt do Southeastern Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $12,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates tight margins for lower-paying programs. The low debt load is the school's main financial advantage.
What is Southeastern Community College's graduation rate?
Only 43% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll don't finish their programs. This significantly reduces the school's value proposition for many students.