At $27,310/yr net price, Southwestern College graduates earn $55,646/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,646/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,310 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,646/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,646/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,537/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,844/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,641/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,101/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,218/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,523 | $37,287 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,169 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $54,713 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,840 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $49,270 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,214 | $22,584 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,019 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Southwestern 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
Southwestern College delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its $27,310 annual cost. With median earnings of just $55,646 ten years after graduation, you'll barely break even on your investment, and that assumes you actually graduate.
The 33.5% graduation rate represents the school's biggest financial risk. More than two-thirds of students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 53% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and academic support.
Computer science offers the only strong earnings potential at $61,516, making it the sole program worth considering financially. Business administration pays $60,523 but saddles graduates with $37,287 in debt, creating a poor risk-reward ratio. Nursing provides steady middle-class earnings at $59,169. Accounting graduates earn a disappointing $49,840, well below the national average for the field.
You should only consider Southwestern College if you're pursuing computer science and have strong academic credentials that suggest you'll actually finish. The low retention and graduation rates indicate many students struggle academically or financially. If you're not confident about completing your degree or interested in computer science, look elsewhere.
The school's 39% financial aid participation rate suggests limited need-based assistance. Given the weak outcomes and high dropout risk, this institution makes financial sense for very few students. Community college followed by transfer to a stronger four-year program offers better value for most Kansas residents seeking affordable education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern College worth the cost?
Southwestern College's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $55,646 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $27,310 annually. The 33.5% graduation rate creates significant risk that students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Southwestern College?
Computer and Information Sciences leads earnings at $61,516, followed by Business Administration at $60,523 and Nursing at $59,169. These programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the college's overall graduate earnings of $55,646.
How much debt do Southwestern College graduates have?
Southwestern College graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the $55,646 median earnings ten years post-graduation. However, the low 33.5% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Southwestern College and does it affect ROI?
Only 33.5% of students graduate from Southwestern College, creating substantial financial risk for the majority who don't complete their degrees. This low completion rate significantly undermines the college's value proposition despite reasonable debt levels for those who do graduate.