Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Southwest Virginia Community College
a smaller institution with 1,600 students in Cedar Bluff, VA.
Program Analysis
Southwest Virginia Community College's Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates start at $29,501/yr, trailing the $36,448 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions's career paths, with 30% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.
At #27 of 61 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs, Southwest Virginia Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $33,622 are relatively flat compared to the $29,501 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $105,620 | +17.3% | 52% |
| Genetic counselors | $98,910 | +9.3% | 50% |
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $95,830 | +11.2% | 63% |
About Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Careers
Your career in this field is about direct human impact. As a psychiatric technician, one of the fastest-growing roles, you’ll work in hospitals or residential centers, monitoring patients, assisting with daily activities, and de-escalating crises. Or you might become a social worker, meeting with families in their homes or schools to connect them with vital services like housing or food assistance, or working in a hospital to help patients navigate complex healthcare decisions. Your initial roles may involve assisting senior staff, with earnings starting in the $40,000s.
Read the full Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions career guide →
Compare & Explore
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Overview
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Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
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