At $8,652/yr net price, Southern Union State Community College graduates earn $36,597/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,597/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,652 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,597/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,597/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,051/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,152/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,958/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,497/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 | $48,752 | $9,750 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,007 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,891 | $6,500 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,786 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Southern Union 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 Union State Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with registered nurses earning $48,752 annually against just $9,750 in debt.
Heavy equipment maintenance and precision metalworking also pay well at $48,041 and $42,682 respectively, reflecting strong demand in Alabama's industrial sectors. These technical programs align well with the regional job market around Birmingham and Montgomery, where manufacturing and healthcare dominate employment.
The major financial risk lies in the 27% graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career goals, this school poses significant financial danger.
Avoid the practical nursing and allied health programs, which pay substantially less than the RN track while requiring similar time investment. At $30,409 and $33,007 respectively, these lower-tier healthcare options offer poor return on your educational investment.
Southern Union works best for motivated students with specific career targets in nursing, industrial maintenance, or metalworking. The low net price of $8,652 makes it affordable, and only 35% of students need financial aid. However, if you need extensive academic support or prefer a traditional college experience, look elsewhere. This school rewards focus and self-direction, not exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Union State Community College worth the money?
Southern Union offers decent value for specific career programs, with a low net price of $8,652 annually and modest debt levels around $11,000. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning, and typical earnings of $36,597 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Union State Community College?
Registered nursing leads with median earnings of $48,752, followed by heavy equipment maintenance at $48,041 and precision metalworking at $42,682. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Southern Union State Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $11,000 in debt, which is relatively manageable for a two-year program. The low cost structure helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Union State Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is well below the national average for community colleges. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and career outcomes.