At $10,918/yr net price, Southern State Community College graduates earn $35,463/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,463/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,463/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,463/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 29.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,457 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,076/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,088/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,120/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,918/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,415/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 | $49,797 | $15,128 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,267 | $9,000 |
The Risk Factor
26.2% of students at Southern State Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Southern State Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $35,463 ten years after enrollment barely justifying the $10,918 annual cost. The 26% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without completing their programs, making this a high-risk investment for many.
Nursing stands out as the only financially sound program, with graduates earning $49,797 annually despite carrying $15,128 in debt. The program's strong job market in Ohio's healthcare sector makes this debt manageable. Allied Health programs offer moderate returns at $33,993, but Liberal Arts graduates face financial struggles with earnings of just $24,267.
Your biggest risk here is not finishing. With such low completion rates, you could end up with debt but no credential. This particularly affects students who need extensive developmental coursework or lack strong academic preparation. The college's rural Hillsboro location also limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban community colleges.
Southern State makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can complete the program successfully. The relatively low debt load for nursing graduates and strong regional healthcare demand create genuine career opportunities. For other programs, consider whether you have the academic foundation to finish and whether local employers actually hire these graduates.
Only 21% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, and seriously evaluate whether you're academically prepared for success before enrolling. If you're unsure about your major or academic readiness, starting at a community college with higher graduation rates may serve your finances better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern State Community College worth the money?
Southern State Community College offers decent value if you complete a nursing program, but the 26% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing. The nursing programs lead to $49,797 annual earnings, while other programs typically result in much lower pay.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Southern State Community College?
Job prospects depend heavily on your program choice at Southern State Community College. Nursing graduates earn nearly $50,000 annually, but liberal arts graduates average only $24,267, which barely covers the cost of attendance.
How much student debt do Southern State Community College graduates have?
Southern State Community College graduates carry a median debt of $11,457, which is manageable for nursing graduates but challenging for those in lower-paying programs. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by field of study.
What is the graduation rate at Southern State Community College?
Southern State Community College has a 26% graduation rate, meaning roughly 3 out of 4 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate represents a significant financial risk for students who pay tuition but don't earn credentials.