At $4,588/yr net price, Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates earn $34,071/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $71/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,588 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,071/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$71/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 258.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,016/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,071/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,875/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,042/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,481/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 | $55,512 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,384 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,921 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $22,087 |
The Risk Factor
19.3% of students at Southwest Tennessee 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
Southwest Tennessee Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but poor outcomes for most other majors, with a concerning 19% graduation rate that undermines your investment regardless of program choice.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $55,512 annually against the modest $4,588 yearly cost. Medical laboratory science and allied health diagnostic programs also provide solid returns, with earnings in the low $40,000s. These healthcare tracks justify the time and money you'll spend.
Business administration tells a different story. Graduates earn just $28,212, barely above the regional average for high school graduates. Combined with the low completion rate, this program presents significant financial risk with minimal upside.
The graduation rate creates the biggest concern for your ROI calculation. Nearly 81% of students leave without completing their program, meaning you face high odds of paying for credits without earning the credential that unlocks better wages. This risk applies across all programs but hits hardest in lower-paying majors.
Southwest Tennessee works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or allied health programs and have the academic foundation to complete them. The low net price makes the gamble more affordable than at four-year schools. However, if you're considering business programs or lack confidence in your ability to finish, community colleges with higher completion rates in other regions offer better financial prospects.
Financial aid reaches 42% of students, though specific merit scholarships remain limited at this community college level. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites efficiently and transferring to nursing or health programs where job demand in Memphis supports the salary projections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Tennessee Community College worth the cost?
At $4,588 per year, Southwest Tennessee Community College offers one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in Tennessee. However, with graduates earning just $34,071 annually and only 19% completing their programs, the investment carries significant risk unless you're targeting high-paying fields like nursing or medical lab science.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $55,512, while clinical lab science pays about $44,384. Business programs pay considerably less at $28,212, making healthcare fields the clear winners for return on investment.
How much debt do Southwest Tennessee Community College students typically graduate with?
The low annual cost of $4,588 means most students can avoid heavy debt loads, especially with financial aid. However, the 19% graduation rate means many students may accumulate costs without completing their degree.
Why is Southwest Tennessee Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 19% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This suggests many students either transfer, drop out due to financial pressures, or struggle with academic demands, making program completion a major risk factor for ROI.