At $8,145/yr net price, St Clair County Community College graduates earn $40,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,177/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,145 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,177/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,033/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,321/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,352/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,150/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,153/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 | $58,943 | $18,773 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,461 | $13,007 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,660 | $7,133 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
31.7% of students at St Clair County Community 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
St Clair County Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare and technical programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $58,943 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in Michigan despite higher debt loads of $18,773.
Your program choice determines everything here. Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn $47,260 with lower debt, while health administration majors face a financial dead end at $28,236. The 31% graduation rate signals completion challenges, particularly for students unprepared for technical coursework or lacking clear career goals.
You face two main financial risks at SC4: picking the wrong program and failing to graduate. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without credentials. The college serves Michigan's Thumb region where manufacturing and healthcare jobs dominate, so programs outside these sectors offer limited local opportunities.
SC4 works financially if you target nursing, skilled trades, or technical fields and can handle the academic demands. The $8,145 annual cost keeps debt manageable for completers. You should look elsewhere if you want a broad liberal arts foundation or lack clear career direction, as the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle without specific goals.
Financial aid reaches only 25% of students, reflecting the community college's lower-income student base. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and consider the nursing program if you can handle the academic rigor and higher debt load for significantly better earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Clair County Community College worth the cost?
At $8,145 per year, St Clair County Community College offers decent value for nursing and technical programs, but the 32% graduation rate is concerning. Students earn $40,177 annually ten years after starting, which provides reasonable return on investment if you complete your program.
What are the best paying programs at St Clair County Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn $58,943 annually, making it the clear winner financially. Electromechanical instrumentation pays $47,260, while other health programs range from $28,000-$41,000.
How much debt do St Clair County Community College students typically have?
Median debt is $11,750, which is manageable for community college graduates. The low cost means most students can avoid heavy borrowing compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at St Clair County Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students don't finish their programs and may struggle to see returns on their investment.