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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends almost entirely on what you study. At under $5,000 a year, the price is not what should worry you. The graduation rate is 19.30%, meaning most people who enroll leave without finishing, and a credential is what turns this cheap tuition into a return.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pays nearly double the college-wide median a decade out, and Memphis hospitals and clinics keep that demand steady. The lab science and allied health associate programs also clear $40,000, which makes them solid bets given how little you pay to get there. Business administration is the outlier going the other way: at roughly $28,000, it lands below the school's overall median earnings, so it does little to lift you above where you started.
The real financial risk here is not debt, it's non-completion. If you enroll, treat finishing as the whole point, because the low net price only works in your favor if you walk out with a nursing or allied health credential in hand.
The net price tiers hold a quirk worth watching. If your family earns $48,000 to $110,000, you pay more out of pocket than families under $48,000 and, oddly, more than families over $110,000. That middle-income squeeze means you should run your own aid numbers before assuming this is the cheapest option.
This school fits you if you want a fast, affordable route into Memphis healthcare and you are committed to completing. Look elsewhere if you are aiming at business or a general transfer path with no clear finish line, since the earnings data does not back that up.
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.