At $10,477/yr net price, Volunteer State Community College graduates earn $41,150/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,150/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,150/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,150/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,550 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,253/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,403/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,603/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,797/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,922/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,956 | $8,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,595 | $9,973 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $36,674 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,560 | $4,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $9,000 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,542 | $6,000 |
The Risk Factor
24.3% of students at Volunteer State 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
Volunteer State Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with your outcomes heavily dependent on program choice. Fire protection stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings of $63,005 annually with strong demand from Nashville-area fire departments and emergency services.
The allied health programs offer solid middle-ground returns, with medical assisting services reaching $45,956 in median earnings. However, you'll carry $8,750 in debt for this path. The diagnostic and treatment programs show inconsistent results, ranging from $44,595 down to $36,560, suggesting market saturation in some specialties within Tennessee's healthcare sector.
Criminal justice graduates face tougher economics, earning just $36,674 annually in a field where advancement typically requires additional education. Given the low graduation rate of 24%, you face significant completion risk regardless of your chosen program.
Vol State works best for career-focused students entering high-demand technical fields like fire protection or healthcare. The $10,477 annual net price keeps debt manageable, and only 30% of students receive financial aid, indicating the college serves many students who can pay out-of-pocket.
You should look elsewhere if you're uncertain about your career direction or considering liberal arts transfer programs. The low graduation rate suggests weak academic support systems, making this a poor choice for students needing extensive guidance. Focus on the fire protection program if you want the strongest financial returns, but avoid criminal justice unless you plan to continue your education elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volunteer State Community College worth the cost?
At $10,477 per year with graduates earning $41,150 after 10 years, Volunteer State offers decent value for a community college. However, the 24% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Volunteer State Community College?
Fire Protection leads with $63,005 in earnings, followed by Allied Health programs averaging $45,000. Criminal Justice graduates earn significantly less at $36,674.
How much debt do Volunteer State Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $7,550, which is manageable for most career programs. This low debt load helps make the investment worthwhile for students who actually graduate.
Should I choose Volunteer State Community College over a four-year school?
Volunteer State makes sense if you're targeting specific career training like fire protection or healthcare. The low cost and debt make it a safer choice than expensive four-year programs with uncertain job prospects.