At $8,615/yr net price, Clark State College graduates earn $39,584/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,584/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,615 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,584/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,584/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,490 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,318/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,374/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,441/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,272/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,062/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 | $59,834 | $16,832 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $40,188 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,153 | $13,750 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,864 | $13,792 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | $13,922 |
| Social Work. | Associate | $31,305 | $20,278 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 | $20,948 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $13,143 |
The Risk Factor
24.7% of students at Clark State 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
Clark State College offers one of the strongest financial returns in Ohio community college education, but only if you pick the right program and actually graduate. The nursing programs deliver strong value, with registered nursing graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually against modest debt loads of $16,832.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing and allied health fields justify the investment, while criminal justice graduates earn just $34,000 despite similar debt burdens. The accounting program hits a solid middle ground at $40,000 in median earnings. Avoid programs not listed in the top earners, as they likely lead to below-average outcomes in Springfield's limited job market.
The biggest financial risk is the 24% graduation rate. Three-quarters of students leave without credentials, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. The 50% retention rate signals many students struggle academically or financially in their first year. If you need extensive academic support or aren't certain about your major, consider starting elsewhere.
Clark State works best for career-focused students entering high-demand fields like healthcare. The low net price of $8,615 annually makes it accessible for working adults and career changers. Only 36% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket or qualify for minimal assistance.
This school suits students with clear career goals in practical fields who can handle the academic demands independently. If you need a traditional college experience with strong student support systems, or if you're exploring majors outside healthcare and business, you should look at four-year institutions with better graduation rates and broader program strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark State College worth the money?
Clark State College offers decent value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $59,834 annually while paying only $8,615 per year in net costs, but the 25% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Clark State College?
Nursing programs at Clark State College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually. Accounting graduates earn around $40,000, while criminal justice majors make $34,000.
How much debt do Clark State College graduates have?
Clark State College graduates carry a median debt of $14,490, which is manageable for nursing graduates but challenging for lower-paying fields like criminal justice. The low net price helps keep borrowing reasonable.
What is the graduation rate at Clark State College?
Only 25% of students graduate from Clark State College, meaning three out of four students leave without completing their degree. This low completion rate is a major risk factor when considering the school's value.