At $9,775/yr net price, Southwestern Community College graduates earn $40,129/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,129/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,775 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,129/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,129/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,975 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,336/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,869/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,386/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,278/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,884/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 | $46,833 | $12,676 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,824 | $9,913 |
The Risk Factor
53.0% 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 weak overall returns with median earnings of just $40,129 ten years after graduation, barely above the national poverty line for a family of four. Your financial outcome depends entirely on which program you choose.
Nursing stands as the clear winner financially, producing graduates earning $46,833 annually with manageable debt loads. This program justifies the investment and aligns with strong healthcare demand in rural Iowa. Vehicle maintenance offers decent middle-class wages without heavy borrowing, making it another smart choice for hands-on learners.
Liberal arts and general studies programs present serious financial risks. Graduates earn just $20,824 annually while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt, creating a troublesome debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. These programs work only if you transfer to a four-year school and complete a bachelor's degree.
The 53% graduation rate creates additional risk since you could accumulate debt without earning a credential. Low financial aid participation suggests either limited need-based assistance or students paying out of pocket, which actually works in your favor given the reasonable $9,775 annual cost.
This school makes financial sense if you pursue nursing or skilled trades and can complete your program successfully. Local students benefit from staying close to home while training for stable regional jobs. However, you should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts education, struggle with completion, or need substantial financial aid packages. The school's rural location limits job diversity, making career-focused programs essential for positive returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Southwestern Community College offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $9,775 per year and manageable debt levels around $11,000. However, the 10-year earnings of $40,129 are below average for college graduates, making it worth it mainly if you choose high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Southwestern Community College?
Nursing programs at Southwestern Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $46,833 annually. Vehicle maintenance programs pay moderately at $26,353, while liberal arts graduates earn only $20,824, which barely justifies the cost.
How much debt will I have after graduating from Southwestern Community College?
The median debt at Southwestern Community College is $10,975, which is manageable for a community college. This debt level is reasonable if you complete a nursing program, but risky for lower-paying fields like liberal arts.
What is the graduation rate at Southwestern Community College and does it matter?
Southwestern Community College has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their programs. This increases your risk of ending up with debt but no degree, so having a clear plan and choosing a structured program like nursing improves your odds.