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$4,500Tuition
2,514Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,782Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Jefferson College

Jefferson College draws 2,514 students to its rural Missouri campus, serving as Jefferson County's primary pathway to four-year universities and career training. The Vikings compete in nine NJCAA sports with 143 total athletes sharing $691,235 in athletic scholarships. This community college built its reputation on practical programs that get students into the workforce quickly or transfer them seamlessly to four-year schools. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Students pay an average of $7,734 after financial aid, making this one of Missouri's more affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $40,782 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $9,285 in debt with monthly payments of only $98. The employment rate hits an impressive 96.9%, showing that Jefferson College delivers on its promise of job readiness. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $6,363.

The student body skews female at nearly 60%, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and education. With only 204 housing spots available, most students commute from surrounding Jefferson County communities. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 32% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Jefferson College serves as Jefferson County's primary pathway for career training and university transfer preparation. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in a community college setting. With a 32.30% six-year graduation rate, the school reflects typical community college completion patterns where many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. The college emphasizes hands-on career programs in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and skilled trades that directly feed into the local job market. Transfer students benefit from articulation agreements with four-year Missouri universities. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, demonstrating strong connections between academic programs and regional employer needs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,782

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,492
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $44,021
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $41,007
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $37,054
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $36,134
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $35,060
Precision Metal Working. Associate $29,685
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $26,739
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,035
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $21,703

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Jefferson County's rolling hills surround this community college campus about 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis. Only 8% of the 2,514 students live in the 204-bed residence halls, making this primarily a commuter campus. Most Vikings drive in from nearby towns and Jefferson County suburbs for classes.

The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in specialized programs like welding and nursing that draw students regionally. Winters require a heavy coat as temperatures drop well below freezing, while humid summers reach the 90s. With 96.5% of students from Missouri, you'll find familiar faces from local high schools mixed with working adults returning for career training.

Weekends stay quiet on campus as most students head home or to jobs. The athletic program fields 9 NJCAA teams with 143 total athletes, though games draw modest crowds. Social life centers more around study groups and lab partnerships than traditional college parties. Students often grab lunch between classes at nearby fast-food spots along Highway 21 in Hillsboro.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
204 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 15 9 0 0
Domestic Violence 6 4 0 1
Burglary 4 4 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–41°F
July Avg
67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
9.2"

Student Demographics

Jefferson College draws overwhelmingly from Missouri, with 97% of students calling the state home. The school serves a predominantly white student body that reflects the demographics of rural Jefferson County. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, which aligns with the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract more female students. The college fulfills its community mission by serving local families, with many students choosing Jefferson for its affordable tuition and proximity to home before transferring to four-year universities.
Men
40.5%
Women
59.6%
White
88.2%
Black
2.6%
Hispanic
3.5%
Asian
1.7%
In-State Students
96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.5%

Location

Jefferson College sits in Hillsboro, Missouri, about 45 minutes south of St. Louis in the rolling hills of Jefferson County. The rural-fringe setting serves a largely local population, with 96.53% of students coming from in-state. This area is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and small-town atmosphere, where students can focus on their studies without big-city distractions. The college draws from farming communities and suburban areas south of St. Louis. Housing is limited to just 204 on-campus spots, reflecting the commuter nature of the student body. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Jefferson College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Hillsboro, Missouri 63050-2440

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,782
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,826
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,000
Loan Repayment Rate
39.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$98/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,285

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Jefferson College?

Jefferson College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 2,514 students primarily from Missouri. The college focuses on providing accessible education to Jefferson County residents, with 96.53% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Jefferson College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,734 annually at Jefferson College. In-state tuition runs $4,500 while the total cost of attendance reaches $11,566, making it an affordable option for career training and transfer preparation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jefferson College?

Jefferson College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its career-focused programs and transfer pathways. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning in technical and professional fields.

What are the employment outcomes for Jefferson College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.9% employment rate with median earnings of $40,782 ten years after enrollment. The college's career-focused approach helps students enter the workforce quickly, though the 32.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students.

Does Jefferson College offer on-campus housing?

Jefferson College provides limited on-campus housing with a capacity of 204 students at $6,346 for room and board. The rural-fringe campus serves a largely commuter population, with most of the 2,514 students living off-campus in the surrounding Jefferson County area.

What athletic programs does Jefferson College offer?

The Vikings compete in the NJCAA with 9 varsity sports programs supporting 143 total athletes. The college awards $691,235 in athletic scholarships annually, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their education and sports careers at the community college level.