At $23,130/yr net price, Southern Technical College graduates earn $29,893/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,130 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,893/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,107/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,718/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,502/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,675/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,063/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,302/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $30,891 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Associate | $28,753 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $19,683 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $15,721 |
The Risk Factor
55.4% of students at Southern Technical 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
Southern Technical College delivers weak financial returns that rarely justify its $23,130 annual cost. Your median earnings of $29,893 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, creating a concerning gap between investment and outcome.
The electrical programs offer your best financial prospects, with electronics maintenance graduates earning $30,891 and engineering technology graduates earning $28,753. However, even these top-performing programs generate modest returns given the school's price point. The healthcare programs show poor ROI potential, with medical assisting graduates earning just $19,683 and health administration graduates earning only $15,721.
You face significant financial risks at Southern Technical College. The 45% non-completion rate means nearly half of students leave without credentials while carrying debt. The school's for-profit structure often leads to aggressive recruitment and limited support systems that can trap you in expensive programs with poor job placement rates.
This school makes financial sense only if you need the flexibility of a for-profit institution and plan to enter electrical trades where local Orlando demand supports higher wages. You should look elsewhere if you're considering healthcare programs, as community colleges offer similar training at fraction of the cost with better employer recognition.
The school's financial aid covers most students, but this often translates to federal loans rather than grants. Your median debt of $11,250 appears manageable, but combined with low graduate earnings, creates challenging repayment scenarios. Community colleges in the Orlando area offer comparable technical training with significantly lower costs and stronger regional employer relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Technical College worth the money?
Southern Technical College's graduates earn $29,893 annually after 10 years, which is low considering the $23,130 yearly cost. The return on investment is poor compared to most colleges, though the relatively low median debt of $11,250 limits financial risk.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Technical College?
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology offers the highest earnings at $30,891 annually, followed by Electrical Engineering at $28,753. Avoid the health administration programs, which pay only $15,721 despite similar costs.
How much debt do Southern Technical College students graduate with?
The median debt is $11,250, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with low graduate earnings averaging under $30,000, even this modest debt load creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
What is Southern Technical College's graduation rate?
Only 55% of students graduate from Southern Technical College. This means nearly half of students leave without completing their program, often still carrying debt but without the credential needed for career advancement.