At $22,657/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Waco graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,657 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.4% |
| 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 | $22,469/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,747/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,387/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,395/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,201 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,807 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,838 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
48.4% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Waco 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-Waco delivers poor financial returns that rarely justify the $22,657 annual cost. With median earnings of just $27,035 ten years after graduation, you'll struggle to recover your investment in a reasonable timeframe.
The earnings data reveals significant problems across all major programs. Even the highest-paying program, Precision Metal Working, produces median earnings of only $24,201 annually. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $20,807, while Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates make just $18,838. These wages barely exceed what many entry-level positions offer without any postsecondary education.
Your debt burden compounds the poor earning potential. Medical programs carry $9,500 in median debt, creating monthly payments that consume a substantial portion of your already-low income. The 48% graduation rate means you face significant risk of accumulating debt without completing your program.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific circumstances that limit your options. If you need flexible scheduling for healthcare training and cannot access community college programs, the convenience might outweigh the poor economics. However, you should exhaust alternatives first, including community colleges that offer similar programs at lower costs with better job placement rates.
Avoid Southern Careers Institute-Waco if you have access to public institutions or can relocate for better programs. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and poor graduation rates creates substantial financial risk with minimal upside. Your money and time will generate better returns elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Waco worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 ten years after enrollment and an annual cost of $22,657, Southern Careers Institute-Waco offers poor return on investment. The low graduation rate of 48% means many students pay for programs they never complete.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Careers Institute-Waco?
Precision Metal Working offers the highest earnings at $24,201 annually, though this is still below the school's cost per year. Health and Medical Administrative Services ($20,807) and Allied Health programs ($18,838) pay significantly less than tuition.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-Waco graduates have?
The median debt is $8,708, which is relatively low compared to other schools. However, with graduate earnings averaging only $27,035, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of income.
Does Southern Careers Institute-Waco have good job placement rates?
With only 48% of students graduating, nearly half never complete their programs at Southern Careers Institute-Waco. The low earnings of graduates suggest limited job market success even for those who do finish.