At $8,851/yr net price, James A. Rhodes State College graduates earn $41,855/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,855/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,851 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,855/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,855/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,808/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,839/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,588/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,966/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,989/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,174 | $14,971 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,170 | $13,115 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,748 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,424 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,274 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,228 | $15,706 |
The Risk Factor
32.9% of students at James A. Rhodes 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
James A. Rhodes State College delivers strong value for technical careers but weak returns for most other paths. At $8,851 annually, your costs stay manageable, but the 33% graduation rate creates significant completion risk that could leave you with debt and no credential.
Electrical engineering technology graduates earn $61,516 annually, making this program financially compelling given the low tuition. Industrial production technology and nursing also generate solid returns above $50,000. These technical programs align well with Ohio's manufacturing economy and healthcare demand, creating reliable job prospects in the Lima region.
Criminal justice shows poor ROI at $37,748 in median earnings. Other liberal arts and general studies programs likely perform worse, though specific data remains limited. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, particularly outside the specialized technical tracks.
You face real completion risk here. Two-thirds of students don't graduate, which means paying for credits without earning a degree. This makes Rhodes most suitable if you're committed to a specific technical program where job placement rates run higher.
The $12,000 median debt load stays reasonable, and only 15% of students receive aid, suggesting most pay the stated price. Merit scholarships appear limited, so expect to cover costs through savings, family support, or federal aid.
Choose Rhodes if you want electrical technology, industrial technology, or nursing training at rock-bottom prices. Skip it for criminal justice or if you're undecided about your major. The technical programs work, but everything else carries too much completion risk for too little payoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James A. Rhodes State College worth the money?
For the right programs, yes. Electrical engineering and industrial production technology graduates earn over $50,000 annually with relatively low debt of $12,000. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the value proposition.
What are the best paying programs at James A. Rhodes State College?
Electrical engineering technology leads at $61,516 annually, followed by industrial production technology at $53,358. Nursing graduates earn around $50,174, while criminal justice majors average $37,748.
How much debt do James A. Rhodes State College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With an annual net price of $8,851, students who complete technical programs can typically pay off loans within a few years.
Does James A. Rhodes State College have good job outcomes?
It depends on your major. Engineering and healthcare technology programs lead to solid middle-class wages, but the low 33% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.