At $4,644/yr net price, J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College graduates earn $28,281/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,644 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,281/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,719/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 11.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,749/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,025/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,288/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,856/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,906 |
The Risk Factor
11.1% of students at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical 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
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. The $28,281 median earnings barely justify even the low $4,644 annual cost, and the abysmal 11% graduation rate means your odds of completing any program are poor.
Practical nursing stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, with graduates earning $38,906 annually. This creates a decent return on your investment and aligns with strong healthcare demand in Huntsville's medical sector. Other programs at Drake State appear to lead nowhere financially viable.
The school's biggest risk is its failure to graduate students. With nearly 9 out of 10 students dropping out, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. This makes Drake State particularly risky if you have any academic struggles or competing life demands.
Drake State works for you only if you can get into the nursing program and have the academic foundation to complete it successfully. The low cost makes it worth the gamble for nursing, but you should have backup plans ready. If nursing admission is competitive or you lack strong science preparation, look elsewhere.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means you might attend without borrowing. However, the poor graduation rates suggest many students waste even this modest investment. Consider starting at a community college with better completion rates, then transferring if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College worth the cost for nursing programs?
The nursing programs at J. F. Drake State show strong returns, with graduates earning around $38,906 annually against a net cost of $4,644 per year. This makes the nursing track one of the better financial investments at the school.
What is the graduation rate at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?
J. F. Drake State has an 11.1% graduation rate, which is very low even for community colleges. This means most students who start don't finish their programs.
How much do J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College graduates earn after graduation?
Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn an average of $28,281 annually. This is below the national average for community college graduates and reflects limited earning potential for most programs.
Should I attend J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College for programs other than nursing?
Outside of nursing programs, the return on investment is questionable given the low graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes. Consider other schools or focus specifically on the nursing track if you attend.