At $8,838/yr net price, Southwest Virginia Community College graduates earn $34,221/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $221/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,838 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,221/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$221/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 160 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,660/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,621/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,655/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,936/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 | $55,151 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,792 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,596 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,345 |
The Risk Factor
43.8% of students at Southwest Virginia Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southwest Virginia Community College offers a mixed financial picture, with strong returns in healthcare programs but weak outcomes in several other fields. Your investment pays off best if you target the right major and complete your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, delivering graduates who earn $55,151 annually against your $8,838 yearly investment. Allied health programs also provide solid returns, with medical assisting services graduates earning $41,937 and diagnostic professionals making $38,289. These healthcare tracks align well with regional demand in Virginia's rural medical facilities.
Criminal justice graduates face tougher prospects at $28,792 annually, while mental and social health services majors earn just $20,596. These lower-paying fields create questionable returns given your time and money investment, especially in a region with limited job growth outside healthcare.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 43.8% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you lose your investment entirely while still carrying any debt. The rural location also limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban community colleges.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare fields who can commit to completing their programs. You benefit from low costs and strong employer connections in nursing and medical fields. Skip this option if you want broader career flexibility, plan to transfer to a four-year university, or lack clear direction about your major.
Financial aid reaches 45% of students, but merit scholarships remain limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites here before transferring, provided you stay focused on high-return programs rather than exploring multiple fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Virginia Community College worth the money?
At $8,838 per year with graduates earning $34,221 after 10 years, Southwest Virginia Community College offers decent value for a two-year degree. The nursing programs significantly outperform this average, with RN graduates earning over $55,000, making those tracks worthwhile investments.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest Virginia Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with graduates earning $55,151 annually, followed by Allied Health and Medical Assisting at $41,937. Criminal Justice graduates earn much less at $28,792, while Mental Health Services programs show the weakest returns at $20,596.
How much debt do Southwest Virginia Community College graduates have?
With a net price of $8,838 annually, total debt for a two-year program would be around $17,676 if fully financed. This is manageable debt for nursing graduates but could be problematic for those in lower-paying fields like mental health services.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Virginia Community College?
Only 43.8% of students graduate from Southwest Virginia Community College. This below-average completion rate means over half of students leave without finishing their programs, increasing the risk of debt without credentials.