At $7,734/yr net price, Jefferson College graduates earn $40,782/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,782/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,734 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,782/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,782/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,285 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,363/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,083/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,267/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,258/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,836/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 | $52,492 | $14,500 |
| 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 | $14,062 |
| 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 | $7,000 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $21,703 |
The Risk Factor
32.3% of students at Jefferson 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
Jefferson College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning $40,782 annually against minimal debt loads averaging just $9,285. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $52,492 in median earnings with manageable debt of $14,500.
Your best bet financially is the registered nursing program, which pays $12,000 more annually than the college median and justifies its higher debt load. Criminal justice graduates also perform well at $44,021, though specific debt data isn't available for this program. Allied health fields offer decent middle-ground options around $37,000-$41,000 annually.
The concerning number is the 32% graduation rate, which creates significant financial risk if you don't complete your program. Business majors face the weakest earning potential at $36,134, barely above the national average for high school graduates.
Jefferson works best if you're pursuing nursing or criminal justice and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price of $7,734 annually makes it accessible for most Missouri residents. Skip this school if you're considering business programs or lack clear career focus, as the low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, indicating the school already prices affordably for most families. The combination of low debt and reasonable earnings makes Jefferson a practical choice for career-focused students in high-demand fields, but the graduation rate warns against treating this as an easy backup option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson College worth the money?
Jefferson College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,734 annually and manageable debt levels around $9,285. However, the 32% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Jefferson College?
Nursing programs at Jefferson College lead to the best earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $52,492 annually. Criminal justice follows at $44,021, while business graduates typically earn $36,134.
How much debt do Jefferson College graduates have?
Jefferson College graduates carry a median debt of $9,285, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Do Jefferson College graduates make good money after graduation?
Jefferson College graduates earn a median of $40,782 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low tuition costs. Nursing graduates do significantly better, while other programs may struggle to justify even the affordable price tag.