At $23,458/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Austin graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,708 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,439/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,118/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,228/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,118/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $27,203 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,201 | $7,125 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,807 | $9,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $19,422 | $8,507 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,838 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $15,640 | $6,861 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,173 | $8,309 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Austin 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
Southern Careers Institute-Austin delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the costs. With median earnings of just $27,035 ten years after graduation and an annual net price of $23,458, you face a concerning gap between what you pay and what you earn.
The earnings data reveals stark differences between programs. Environmental Control Technologies offers the strongest return at $27,203 annually, while Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services pays only $18,838 despite carrying $9,500 in debt. Health and Medical Administrative Services and Accounting programs both underperform relative to their debt loads, making them poor financial choices.
The 51.5% graduation rate creates additional risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you face a significant chance of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The relatively low median debt of $8,708 provides some cushion, but low earning potential limits your ability to repay even modest amounts.
This school works financially only if you target Environmental Control Technologies or Precision Metal Working and can complete your program quickly. Austin's growing tech and construction sectors create some demand for these skills. However, you should explore community college alternatives that offer similar programs at lower costs.
Avoid the health administration and medical assisting programs entirely. The earning potential cannot support the debt load, and these fields offer better training options elsewhere in Austin. With 65% of students receiving financial aid, investigate all grant opportunities before borrowing, but recognize that even with aid, the return on investment remains questionable for most programs at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Austin worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 annually after a net price of $23,458 per year, Southern Careers Institute-Austin offers minimal financial return. The low earnings relative to cost make this a risky investment for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Careers Institute-Austin?
Environmental Control Technologies leads at $27,203 annually, followed by Precision Metal Working at $24,201. However, even the highest-paying programs barely exceed the school's annual cost.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-Austin graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $8,708, but with starting salaries around $27,035, graduates may still struggle with loan payments. The low debt helps offset some of the poor earnings potential.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-Austin?
Only 51.5% of students graduate, meaning nearly half don't complete their programs. This increases the risk of attending without receiving any credential or career benefit.