At $4,707/yr net price, Surry Community College graduates earn $36,012/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,012/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,707 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,012/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,012/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 7.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,197/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,426/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,803/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,464/yr |
| $110,001+ | $5,308/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 | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,250 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,192 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 |
The Risk Factor
7.7% of students at Surry 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
Surry Community College offers one of the most cost-effective educations in North Carolina at $4,707 annually, but your financial returns depend entirely on program choice. The nursing program delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $50,856 annually, making it one of the few community college programs that can justify its cost within a reasonable timeframe.
The school's other health-related programs show mixed results. Allied health and medical assisting graduates earn $29,250, providing decent returns for the investment, while health administration graduates at $22,192 face longer payback periods. Business program graduates earn $26,353, which represents solid community college performance for the region.
Liberal arts graduates face significant financial challenges with median earnings of just $18,315. This program essentially guarantees negative ROI unless you transfer to complete a four-year degree elsewhere.
The 7.7% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Most students who enroll will not complete their programs, meaning they absorb costs without gaining credentials. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket for an education they may not finish.
You should consider Surry if you can commit to the nursing program and have strong academic preparation to ensure completion. The school works financially for career changers seeking specific technical skills in healthcare or business. Avoid Surry if you need extensive academic support, plan to pursue liberal arts, or have uncertain career goals. The low completion rates make this institution particularly risky for students who struggle with self-direction or face significant life challenges during their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surry Community College worth the cost?
Surry Community College has a very low net price at $4,707 per year, but the 7.7% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing program offers strong earning potential at $50,856, making it worth the cost for students who complete it.
What is the average salary after graduating from Surry Community College?
Graduates earn an average of $36,012 ten years after starting at Surry Community College. However, this varies significantly by program, with nursing graduates earning $50,856 while liberal arts graduates average only $18,315.
Which programs at Surry Community College have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing offers the strongest return on investment at Surry Community College with graduates earning $50,856. Allied Health programs also provide decent returns at $29,250, while liberal arts and general studies show poor ROI at $18,315.
What are the graduation rates at Surry Community College?
Surry Community College has a graduation rate of only 7.7%, which is extremely low even for community colleges. This means most students who start at Surry do not complete their programs.