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
Rhodes State College gives you a low-cost, low-debt entry into the workforce, but the payoff is modest. You leave with a typical debt load of $12,000, which is small enough that even median earnings around $42,000 can clear it. The financial risk here is not debt. It's finishing at all, since only about a third of students graduate. If you drop out, you've spent money and time without the credential that makes the numbers work.
The tuition math is the strong part. Net price sits under $9,000 a year, and families earning under $48,000 pay less than that after aid. Above $75,000, you pay closer to full price, near $12,000 to $13,000 a year. Even at that top tier, the cost is low compared to most four-year schools, so the debt you take on stays manageable across every income band.
The data doesn't list program-level earnings, so treat any single "average salary" with caution. Rhodes State is a technical and career-focused school, and its value depends heavily on which field you enter. Health and technical credentials that lead directly to a licensed job in the Lima region are where this kind of school pays off. General transfer paths that stall without a bachelor's degree are where the money can go to waste.
This school fits you if you want a specific job credential, live near Lima, and plan to finish quickly and start working. Low cost and low debt mean a smaller downside if things go sideways. Look elsewhere if you want higher lifetime earnings from a four-year degree or if you're unlikely to complete a program, because the graduation rate says the biggest financial danger here is paying for an education you don't finish.
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.