At $6,058/yr net price, Jefferson Community and Technical College graduates earn $38,171/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,171/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,058 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,171/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,171/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,651 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,197/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,324/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,060/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,015/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,883 | $15,995 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,584 | $12,411 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,153 | $12,461 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,568 | $7,961 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,312 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,215 | $10,550 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,993 | $12,241 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | $17,739 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
30.7% of students at Jefferson Community and Technical 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 Community and Technical College delivers strong returns for students who choose high-demand technical fields, but the overall financial picture remains shaky due to low completion rates. The $6,058 annual net price makes this one of Kentucky's most affordable options, yet only 31% of students graduate.
Electrical engineering technology stands out as the clear financial winner, producing median earnings of $57,318 annually. Registered nursing follows closely at $52,883, though nursing students carry higher debt loads at nearly $16,000. Allied health programs offer solid middle-ground returns between $39,000-$45,000, making them viable paths for students seeking stable healthcare careers in the Louisville region.
Your biggest risk here is not finishing. With seven out of ten students failing to complete their programs, you face the possibility of carrying debt without a credential. The relatively low debt levels provide some protection, but incomplete programs still waste time and money.
This school works best for students with clear technical career goals who can commit to finishing their programs. The nursing and electrical technology programs align well with Louisville's healthcare systems and manufacturing base. If you need extensive academic support or prefer a traditional college experience, look elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 30% of students, suggesting many pay the full net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your return on this affordable but completion-challenged institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson Community and Technical College worth the money?
Jefferson Community and Technical College offers good value with a low net price of $6,058 per year and manageable debt around $11,651. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $38,171 after 10 years are modest unless you choose high-paying programs like electrical engineering or nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Jefferson Community and Technical College?
Electrical engineering technology leads at $57,318 annually, followed by registered nursing at $52,883. Allied health programs also pay well, ranging from $39,153 to $45,584, making these fields the clear ROI winners at Jefferson.
How much debt will I have after Jefferson Community and Technical College?
The median debt is $11,651, which is relatively low for college graduates. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially if you complete one of the higher-paying technical programs.
What is the graduation rate at Jefferson Community and Technical College?
Only 30.7% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students take on debt without earning a credential, making program choice and academic commitment critical for success.