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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. The net price sits under $10,000 a year and median debt lands near $11,000, so you won't graduate buried. The return depends almost entirely on which program you pick.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate nursing track pays more than double what business administration graduates earn, and it carries the highest debt on the list at roughly $15,000 , still manageable against those earnings. Precision Metal Working and the criminal justice certificate also clear the school's median earnings, and the certificate does it with under $10,000 in debt. Business administration is the weak spot: its graduates earn less than the school-wide median, so a two-year associate here buys you very little wage lift.
The main risk is finishing. Only about a third of students graduate, which means the odds you leave with a credential and no diploma are real. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and it's a live possibility. The earnings picture also skews toward healthcare and skilled trades tied to the regional job market, so if you're set on business or a general transfer path, the direct earnings data doesn't back a strong return.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30,000 in family income, you pay less than half what families above $110,000 pay. If your family earns over $75,000, the price climbs past $14,000 a year with less aid to offset it, which narrows the value gap against a four-year school.
This is a good financial fit if you're headed into nursing, the trades, or criminal justice and want to keep debt low. If you want a business degree or aren't confident you'll finish, look elsewhere first.
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.