About Jamestown Business College
Jamestown Business College focuses entirely on practical business education in a small-town setting. With just 251 students, this quarter-system college operates more like an intensive training program than a traditional university. The school draws almost 89% of its students from New York state. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 74.9%. The college accepts 87% of applicants, making admission straightforward for students ready to dive into business coursework.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $7,732 after aid, with families earning under $48,000 paying even less. Graduates typically leave with $14,800 in debt and monthly loan payments of $157. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $34,976. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment for students seeking affordable business training rather than high-paying careers.
The intensive atmosphere shows in the 50:1 student-faculty ratio, unusually high for such a small school. About 68% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the college serves working-class families. The 89.7% employment rate suggests employers value the school's hands-on approach. Students graduate in four years at a 60.6% rate, reflecting the focused, no-frills curriculum.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $7,732 after aid, with families earning under $48,000 paying even less. Graduates typically leave with $14,800 in debt and monthly loan payments of $157. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $34,976. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment for students seeking affordable business training rather than high-paying careers.
The intensive atmosphere shows in the 50:1 student-faculty ratio, unusually high for such a small school. About 68% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the college serves working-class families. The 89.7% employment rate suggests employers value the school's hands-on approach. Students graduate in four years at a 60.6% rate, reflecting the focused, no-frills curriculum.
Academics & Faculty
Jamestown Business College focuses exclusively on business education, offering specialized training in accounting, business administration, and office management. The school's 60.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused approach that appeals to working students. However, the 50:1 student-faculty ratio means large classes and limited individual attention from professors. Students come here for hands-on business skills rather than theoretical coursework. The quarter system allows for intensive, accelerated learning in specific business disciplines. With nearly 75% of students being women, the college has developed programs that particularly serve non-traditional students seeking business credentials to advance their careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 50:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,976
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,351 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
Jamestown sits in western New York's snow belt, where students bundle up for long winters that stretch into April. The campus serves a small student body of just 251, creating an intimate environment where three-quarters of students are women. This business-focused college draws 88.76% of its students from New York state, giving it a distinctly regional feel.
The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, with 89.7% of graduates finding employment after completing their programs. Students navigate a 50:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning large class sizes are the norm rather than personal attention. Jamestown itself is a small manufacturing town about 70 miles south of Buffalo, offering limited entertainment options that push students to create their own social scenes. Weekend activities center around small-town basics like local restaurants and seasonal outdoor activities when weather permits. The college's focus on practical business skills attracts students seeking direct pathways to employment rather than traditional college experiences. Most students commute or live off-campus, creating a campus that empties out after classes end.
The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, with 89.7% of graduates finding employment after completing their programs. Students navigate a 50:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning large class sizes are the norm rather than personal attention. Jamestown itself is a small manufacturing town about 70 miles south of Buffalo, offering limited entertainment options that push students to create their own social scenes. Weekend activities center around small-town basics like local restaurants and seasonal outdoor activities when weather permits. The college's focus on practical business skills attracts students seeking direct pathways to employment rather than traditional college experiences. Most students commute or live off-campus, creating a campus that empties out after classes end.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–31°F
- July Avg
- 55°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 97.5"
Student Demographics
Jamestown Business College draws primarily local students seeking practical career training. Nearly nine out of ten students come from New York state, reflecting the school's strong ties to the regional business community. The student body is predominantly female, which aligns with the college's focus on business programs that traditionally attract more women, such as accounting, healthcare administration, and office management. Most students come from working-class backgrounds, as evidenced by the high percentage receiving Pell Grants. This creates a tight-knit community of motivated students pursuing immediate career advancement.
- Men
- 25.1%
- Women
- 74.9%
- White
- 66.9%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 12.8%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 88.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 68.6%
Location
Jamestown sits in western New York, roughly 65 miles south of Buffalo and 20 miles from the Pennsylvania border. The town of 28,000 residents sits on the southern shore of Chautauqua Lake in a region known for its rolling hills and seasonal tourism. Students here experience a small-town atmosphere where the college represents one of the few higher education options in Chautauqua County. The area offers outdoor recreation with lake activities in summer and skiing in winter, though career opportunities beyond the immediate region require relocating to larger cities like Buffalo or Pittsburgh. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Jamestown Business College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jamestown, New York 14701-4756
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,976
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $36,182
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $157/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,800
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Jamestown Business College?
Jamestown Business College accepts 87.41% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students. The school focuses on career-oriented business education in western New York's Chautauqua County.
How much does Jamestown Business College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,732 after aid, lower than the $12,945 sticker price. About 68.64% of students receive financial assistance, and those from families earning under $48,000 typically pay even less.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Jamestown Business College?
The student-faculty ratio is 50:1, which is quite high compared to most colleges. With only 251 total students, this small business college operates on a quarter system and emphasizes practical career preparation.
How much do Jamestown Business College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $34,976 ten years after starting college, with strong employment prospects at 89.7%. The school's focus on business skills helps students find work quickly, though starting salaries average $27,987 in the first year.
Where do most students at Jamestown Business College come from?
Nearly 89% of students are from New York state, creating a close-knit regional community. Women make up about 75% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in business programs that attract female students.
What is the graduation rate at Jamestown Business College?
About 60.5% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for smaller career-focused institutions. The quarter system allows for flexible scheduling, and graduates typically leave with manageable debt of $14,800.
