Concorde Career College-Southaven

Don't expect a traditional college experience. There's no campus housing, no athletics, and no Greek life—just a functional commuter environment with benches for lunch breaks and a Learning Resource Center for studying. The vibe is utilitarian: students come for classes (often while working jobs) and leave. Occasional events like cap-and-gown car parades for graduates hint at community, but this is emphatically not a place for the 'college experience.'

The data paints a grim picture of persistence but modest earnings for those who stick it out. Only 21% of students graduate, and just 70% return after their first year—far below national averages. Those who do complete programs earn about $36,427 annually one year out, roughly on par with other healthcare support roles. The six-year graduation rate (where available for sister campuses) hovers around 56.9%, suggesting many students treat this as a short-term credentialing stop rather than a degree path.

With an average net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $22,098 after aid, Concorde-Southaven isn't cheap for a vocational certificate—especially given the low completion rates. Most students (87%) receive federal Pell Grants (averaging $5,252), and 82% take out federal loans (averaging $6,690). Only 4% get institutional scholarships, typically under $900. For context, that's comparable to in-state community college tuition in many states, but without transferable credits or degree options.

Concorde-Southaven's singular appeal is its no-nonsense, rapid-entry approach to healthcare credentials. For students who know exactly what job they want (and need no frills), it delivers focused training in months, not years. But that comes with glaring trade-offs: abysmal graduation rates, limited career upside, and costs that may not pay off without completion. It's a pragmatic choice for those prioritizing speed over breadth—but a risky bet for anyone unsure about their path.