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 gives you a low-cost entry point, but the payoff is thin. Median earnings ten years out sit near $28,000, which is close to what you might make without the credential. Paired with an 11% graduation rate, the school carries real risk that you pay in, spend time, and leave without a degree or a wage bump.
The one program that clearly pays is the Practical Nursing certificate, with graduates earning almost $39,000 , more than $10,000 above the school-wide median. If you come here for nursing and finish, the math works. That certificate is the strongest reason to enroll. Outside of it, the earnings data does not point to a program that reliably lifts you well above the median.
The biggest risk here is completion. With only about one in nine students graduating, the low sticker price matters less than whether you actually finish. A cheap credential you never earn still costs you time and any loans you took. Before enrolling, look hard at whether your program has a clear path to a certificate and a licensing exam, like nursing does.
On price, this is affordable across the board. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay under $4,000 a year, and even at $75,000-$110,000 the yearly net price stays under $8,000. There is no income tier where the cost alone should scare you off.
Drake State is a good fit if you want the Practical Nursing certificate and are confident you'll finish. If you're aiming for a general associate degree with vague career plans, the low graduation rate and flat earnings mean you should compare it against other Huntsville-area options before committing.
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.