Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,867/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,867/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 100.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 | $41,435 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $18,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $21,291 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,613 | $20,000 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $18,444 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $36,668 |
The Risk Factor
100.0% of students at Cox College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Cox College delivers strong financial returns through its specialized healthcare programs, with graduates earning a median $56,867 annually and carrying relatively low debt loads. The school's 100% graduation rate means you can count on finishing your degree without the risk of dropping out with debt but no credential.
Your program choice matters significantly at Cox. The top nursing track generates nearly $98,000 annually, easily justifying its $41,435 debt load with a debt-to-income ratio under 50%. Allied health programs also perform well at $61,020 yearly earnings with just $18,750 in debt. However, other nursing specializations show weaker returns, particularly those earning around $49,613 with similar debt burdens.
The school's focus on healthcare creates both opportunity and risk. Missouri's healthcare job market supports strong employment prospects for graduates, but you're betting entirely on one industry sector. If healthcare hiring slows or wages stagnate, Cox graduates have fewer alternative career paths compared to those from complete universities.
Cox works best financially if you're committed to healthcare careers and want hands-on training without the premium pricing of larger private colleges. The relatively low median debt of $20,000 keeps monthly payments manageable even for lower-earning nursing specializations.
Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school may not offer extensive need-based assistance. This makes Cox most suitable for families who can pay much of the cost upfront or students who qualify for external healthcare scholarships. Those needing substantial financial aid might find better packages at state universities with nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cox College worth the money for nursing students?
Cox College delivers strong ROI for nursing students, with graduates earning $50,000-$98,000 depending on specialization and relatively low median debt of $20,000. The 100% graduation rate indicates strong program completion, making it a solid investment for healthcare careers.
What is the average salary after graduating from Cox College?
Cox College graduates earn a median of $56,867 annually 10 years after graduation. Nursing specializations pay significantly more, with some programs leading to salaries near $98,000, while dietetics graduates typically earn around $48,000.
How much debt do Cox College students typically graduate with?
Cox College students graduate with a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. This lower debt load helps improve the return on investment, especially for nursing graduates who earn higher starting salaries.
Does Cox College have good job placement rates after graduation?
Cox College has a 100% graduation rate, suggesting students complete their programs successfully. However, the school's focus on healthcare means job prospects depend heavily on the nursing job market in Missouri and surrounding areas.