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 gives you a low-debt path, with typical borrowing around $11,000 against a net price under $9,000 a year. The catch is the payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick, and the overall median earnings a decade out sit near $36,600, which is modest.
The nursing and skilled-trades programs are where the money is. An associate in registered nursing pushes earnings close to $49,000 while keeping debt under $10,000, and heavy equipment maintenance lands in the same range. Precision metal working also clears $42,000. These fields have real demand across east Alabama's manufacturing and healthcare employers, so the return here is strong.
The drop-off is steep once you leave those tracks. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs bring in around $33,000, and practical/vocational nursing sits near $30,000. That's below the school-wide median and barely above what you might earn without the credential. If you enroll expecting one of these to pay for itself quickly, the math is thin.
The biggest risk is the 27% graduation rate. Most people who start here don't finish, and if you take on debt without earning the credential, you get the cost with none of the earnings bump. The low sticker price only works in your favor if you complete a program that pays.
Net price actually climbs as family income rises, from about $7,000 for families under $48,000 to roughly $13,000 in the $75,000-$110,000 band. Lower-income families get the best deal here. If you can get into the RN or an industrial maintenance track and see it through, this is a smart, low-cost bet. If you're drawn to the lower-earning health programs or unsure you'll finish, look harder before you enroll.
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.