At $9,507/yr net price, Jamestown Community College graduates earn $38,242/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,242/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,507 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,242/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,242/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,990 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,549/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,535/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,147/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,585/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,656/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 | $54,331 | $15,182 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,235 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,554 | $11,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,889 | $8,805 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | $7,917 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $8,625 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $19,592 | $9,050 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Jamestown 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
Jamestown Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $54,331 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. This salary puts nursing graduates well above the regional median and justifies the investment.
Criminal justice graduates also see decent returns at $42,235, though you should research local law enforcement hiring patterns before committing. The precision metalworking program offers solid middle-class earnings without the debt burden, making it attractive if you can handle the physical demands.
Avoid the business administration program. Graduates earn just $25,889 annually, barely covering living expenses in New York state. Allied health programs also underperform, leaving graduates with debt but limited earning power.
The 33% graduation rate signals serious completion risks. Many students accumulate debt without finishing their programs, creating the worst possible financial outcome. You need strong study habits and clear career focus to succeed here.
Financial aid reaches only 21% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. However, the low net price of $9,507 makes this school accessible even without substantial aid. Community college students typically work while studying, so factor lost wages into your total cost calculation.
This school works best for career-focused students entering high-demand fields like nursing or skilled trades. If you need developmental coursework or lack clear career direction, consider the completion risks carefully. Students seeking broad liberal arts education should look elsewhere, as transfer rates and outcomes data suggest limited success paths beyond the specific vocational programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamestown Community College worth the money?
Jamestown Community College offers decent value for nursing students who can earn over $54,000 annually, but the 34% graduation rate means most students don't finish. With a net price under $10,000 and median debt around $11,000, the financial risk is relatively low compared to four-year schools.
What programs at Jamestown Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return at Jamestown Community College, with graduates earning $54,331 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn $42,235, while business program graduates average just $25,889, barely above the overall school average of $38,242.
How much debt do Jamestown Community College graduates typically have?
Jamestown Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,990, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average earnings of $38,242 ten years after enrollment, debt payments will still take several years to pay off.
What are the biggest risks of attending Jamestown Community College?
The main risk at Jamestown Community College is the low 34% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students leave without a degree. Students who don't complete nursing or criminal justice programs face limited earning potential in other career paths.