At $6,194/yr net price, Southside Virginia Community College graduates earn $32,371/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,194 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,371/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,629/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,734/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,641/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,153/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,274/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 | $50,105 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,823 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $26,739 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,368 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,358 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,598 |
The Risk Factor
34.7% of students at Southside Virginia 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
Southside Virginia Community College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection determines whether this investment pays off. At $6,194 annually, the school costs roughly one-fifth of what you'd pay at a four-year Virginia public university.
Nursing programs provide the clearest path to financial success here. Registered nursing graduates earn $50,105 within ten years, creating substantial returns on your community college investment. Practical nursing also performs well at $35,060, giving you solid earning potential with a shorter time commitment than the RN program.
Ground transportation and vehicle maintenance programs offer mixed results. Transportation graduates earn $37,568, which represents decent returns given the low tuition costs. However, vehicle maintenance graduates at $26,739 barely exceed the school's overall median, making this program financially questionable unless you have specific career goals in automotive repair.
Criminal justice graduates face the weakest financial prospects at $27,823, earning just $4,500 more than the school median despite completing a specialized program. You should seriously consider alternatives if law enforcement interests you.
The 35% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, forfeiting both time and money. This matters most if you struggle with self-directed learning or lack strong academic preparation.
With only 34% of students receiving financial aid, Southside likely offers limited grant opportunities beyond federal programs. The low net price suggests most students pay close to full tuition anyway.
You should choose Southside if you plan to study nursing or need affordable workforce training in transportation. Skip this school if you want criminal justice training or lack clear career direction, as the graduation rate makes exploratory enrollment financially risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southside Virginia Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,194 per year and graduates earning $32,371 annually after 10 years, the school offers decent value for the low cost. However, the 35% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Southside Virginia Community College?
Registered Nursing graduates earn around $50,105 annually, making it the best ROI program. Ground Transportation ($37,568) and Practical Nursing ($35,060) also pay above the school average.
How much debt do Southside Virginia Community College graduates have?
As a community college with a low net price of $6,194 annually, most students graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year schools. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, given the 35% completion rate.
Are Southside Virginia Community College graduates underpaid?
Graduates earn $32,371 after 10 years, which is typical for community college programs in rural Virginia. Nursing and transportation programs offer better earnings, while criminal justice graduates earn below average at $27,823.