At $4,928/yr net price, Southwestern Community College graduates earn $34,145/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $145/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,928 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,145/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$145/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 135.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,445/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,140/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,066/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 | $54,904 | $12,244 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,321 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,126 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,580 | $7,845 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
53.6% of students at Southwestern 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
Southwestern Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $54,904 annually against just $12,244 in debt. Other allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and intervention specialties reaching $46,321 in median earnings.
The weaker programs tell a different story. Computer science graduates earn only $30,771 despite the field's reputation for strong wages, suggesting limited tech opportunities in western North Carolina's rural job market. Medical laboratory science and medical assisting programs barely exceed the school's overall graduate median of $34,145, making them financially questionable choices.
Your biggest risk is the 53.6% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their programs. The relatively low median debt of $10,500 limits your downside, but incomplete programs still waste time and money. The regional economy constrains earning potential outside healthcare, as evidenced by the modest overall graduate earnings.
This school makes financial sense if you can get into nursing or allied health programs and plan to work in healthcare. The nursing ROI is strong even by national standards. However, you should look elsewhere if you want technology careers or higher-paying trades, as the local job market cannot support competitive wages in these fields.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay the full $4,928 annual net price. The low sticker price makes merit aid less important here than at expensive four-year schools, though any additional assistance improves your already reasonable cost structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Community College worth the money?
Southwestern Community College offers good value for healthcare-focused students, with nursing programs leading to $54,904 median earnings and relatively low debt of $10,500. However, the overall graduate earning median of $34,145 is modest, and the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Southwestern Community College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Southwestern Community College, with graduates earning a median of $54,904. Allied Health Diagnostic programs also pay well at $46,321, while general computer science graduates earn $30,771.
How much debt do Southwestern Community College graduates have?
Southwestern Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual net price of $4,928 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does Southwestern Community College have a good return on investment?
Southwestern Community College's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing students see strong returns, but other programs may struggle to justify costs given the $34,145 overall median earnings and 54% graduation rate.