At $6,463/yr net price, Southwestern Michigan College graduates earn $37,303/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,303/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,463 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,852 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,303/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,303/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,959 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,185/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,742/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,156/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,599/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,834/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 | $55,026 | $16,981 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,839 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,531 | $7,942 |
The Risk Factor
27.3% of students at Southwestern Michigan 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 Michigan College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but falls short in most other programs. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $55,026 after graduation, making it one of the better community college nursing programs in terms of ROI despite higher debt loads of nearly $17,000.
Your career choice matters enormously here. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn $31,839, which provides decent returns given the school's low net price. Liberal arts students face much tougher financial prospects, earning just $19,531 ten years out. This creates a stark divide between vocational programs that connect to local job demand and general studies tracks that don't.
The school's 27% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face real odds of accumulating debt without completing your program. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (38%) suggests either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for substantial federal aid.
SMC works best if you're pursuing nursing or skilled trades and can handle the completion challenges. The low sticker price of $6,463 annually means even program switchers or non-completers won't face crushing debt loads. However, if you're considering liberal arts or general studies, the earning outcomes don't justify even this modest investment.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support to stay on track, given the low completion rates, or if you're seeking programs beyond the school's core strengths in healthcare and automotive technology. The financial picture works only when your program choice aligns with regional employer needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Michigan College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,463 per year and median debt under $11,000, Southwestern Michigan College offers affordable education. However, the 27% graduation rate and $37,303 median earnings suggest many students struggle to complete programs or see strong returns.
What are the best paying programs at Southwestern Michigan College?
Nursing programs at Southwestern Michigan College lead to median earnings of $55,026, making them the clear financial winners. Vehicle maintenance programs earn around $31,839, while liberal arts graduates typically earn just $19,531.
How much debt do Southwestern Michigan College graduates have?
Southwestern Michigan College graduates carry a median debt of $10,959, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal for those who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Southwestern Michigan College?
Only 27% of students graduate from Southwestern Michigan College within the typical timeframe. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, making the investment risky despite the low cost.