At $7,343/yr net price, Jackson State Community College graduates earn $35,224/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,224/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,343 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,224/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,224/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,058/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,869/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,067/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,143/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 | $54,453 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,563 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,823 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $35,213 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $31,038 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 |
The Risk Factor
20.0% of students at Jackson State Community 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
Jackson State Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $35,224 ten years after enrollment barely justifying the $7,343 annual cost. The 20% graduation rate compounds this problem, meaning most students leave without credentials and still carry debt.
Your best financial bet lies in healthcare programs. Registered nursing graduates earn $54,453 annually, creating solid payback on your investment. Industrial production technology also performs well at $50,563, reflecting demand in Tennessee's manufacturing sector. Allied health programs round out the viable options at $48,823.
Avoid computer science here. Despite strong job prospects nationally, Jackson State's program produces graduates earning just $31,038, well below market rates for tech workers. The low completion rate suggests program quality issues that could leave you without marketable skills.
This school works financially if you target healthcare careers and can complete your program quickly. The low net price helps, but only if you graduate. With 40% of students receiving aid, federal grants likely cover most costs for low-income students.
Look elsewhere if you want broad career flexibility or strong earning potential outside healthcare. The poor graduation rate indicates serious academic or support deficiencies that put your investment at risk. Students who need extensive academic support or lack clear healthcare career goals should consider universities with better completion rates and more diverse high-paying programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jackson State Community College worth the money?
Jackson State Community College offers decent value for students who complete nursing or healthcare programs, with graduates earning $48,000-54,000 annually. However, the 20% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at Jackson State Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing and industrial production technology programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $50,000-54,000 per year. These salaries justify the $7,343 annual cost, but only if you actually graduate.
How much debt do Jackson State Community College students typically have?
At $7,343 per year, Jackson State Community College costs less than many alternatives. Students who complete two-year programs typically graduate with manageable debt levels, especially in high-paying healthcare fields.
Why is Jackson State Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 20% of students graduate from Jackson State Community College, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk that students will leave with debt but no degree.