At $24,026/yr net price, Southern Technical College graduates earn $36,155/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,155/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,155/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,155/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 44.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.7% |
| 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 | $22,790/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,104/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,202/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,849/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,949/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 | $50,856 | $24,666 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $36,852 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,206 | $22,500 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $32,711 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,598 | $14,333 |
The Risk Factor
49.7% 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 make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $36,155 ten years after graduation and a net price exceeding $24,000 annually, you'll struggle to justify the costs against your future income potential.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, generating $50,856 in median earnings despite carrying $24,666 in debt. This program alone makes the college worth considering if you can gain admission and complete the requirements. Business administration graduates earn $41,565, providing modest returns, while computer science majors at $39,369 barely exceed the school's overall median.
The biggest financial risk lies in the 49.7% graduation rate, meaning half of students pay tuition without earning credentials. For-profit colleges like Southern Technical face additional scrutiny from employers, potentially limiting your job prospects even with a degree.
Design and applied arts majors face particularly poor prospects at $36,852, barely covering the cost of attendance. Health administration graduates at $33,281 earn less than the school median, making this program financially destructive.
You should only consider Southern Technical if you can secure substantial financial aid and plan to enter nursing. The school works for students who need flexible scheduling and local access to vocational training, but community colleges in Florida offer similar programs at lower costs with better reputations. If you cannot get into the nursing program or need significant loans beyond the $11,250 median debt, look elsewhere for better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Technical College worth the cost?
Southern Technical College's graduates earn $36,155 after 10 years, which is low compared to the $24,026 annual cost. Only nursing programs show strong returns, while most other fields struggle to justify the investment.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Technical College?
Registered nursing graduates from Southern Technical College earn around $50,856, making it the only program that clearly pays off. Business administration ($41,565) and computer science ($39,369) show moderate returns, but design and health administration programs lag significantly.
How much debt do Southern Technical College students graduate with?
Southern Technical College students graduate with a median debt of $11,250, which is relatively manageable. However, with low graduate earnings in most programs, even this modest debt can be difficult to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Technical College?
Southern Technical College has a 49.7% graduation rate, meaning about half of students don't complete their programs. This creates additional financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.