Degree Dividend
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South College vs Pellissippi State Community College: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Knoxville TN · vs · Public, Knoxville TN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Pellissippi State Community College comes closer — median earnings $38,440 against a $9,966 total, vs $36,642 at South College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouth CollegePellissippi State Community College
Net price / yr$17,858$4,983
Total net cost$35,716$9,966
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,642$38,440
Median debt$18,668$8,725
Payback
20-year net return-$270,076-$208,366

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

South College vs Pellissippi State Community College: frequently asked questions

Is South College or Pellissippi State Community College a better value?
Pellissippi State Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, South College or Pellissippi State Community College?
Pellissippi State Community College: $4,983/yr net price after aid versus $17,858/yr at South College — a difference of $12,875 a year, or about $25,750 over four years.
Do South College or Pellissippi State Community College graduates earn more?
Pellissippi State Community College graduates earn a median $38,440 ten years after entry, versus $36,642 at South College — a $1,798 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.