Jefferson Community College: $6,048 Tuition

$6,048Tuition

1,523Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,991Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Jefferson Community College

Jefferson Community College serves the North Country region with practical, career-focused programs that connect directly to local job markets. The college enrolls 1,523 students in this small city setting near Fort Drum and the Thousand Islands. Students here prioritize getting skills quickly rather than pursuing four-year degrees immediately.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $11,012 after aid, regardless of whether they're from New York or elsewhere. Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt and earn $40,000 ten years later. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making this education affordable even on entry-level salaries. The 88.5% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly.

Nearly 98% of students come from New York State, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Ten varsity sports compete in the NCCAA, though athletics take a backseat to academics and work preparation. Only 26% complete their programs within six years, but many transfer or enter the workforce before finishing.

Academics & Faculty

Jefferson Community College serves the North Country region with practical career training and transfer programs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 26% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and studies. Nearly 98% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit local community. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like nursing, criminal justice, and business administration. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in over 30 programs. Many use Jefferson as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities. The college partners with local employers to ensure graduates meet regional workforce needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,991

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$60,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$30,047
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$29,685
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$28,236
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$25,967
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.	Associate	$25,774
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$24,421
Community Organization and Advocacy.	Associate	$22,999
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,192
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$20,140

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 98% of Jefferson's students come from New York State, creating a tight-knit community in this small college town near the Canadian border. Watertown sits about 70 miles north of Syracuse, surrounded by the Thousand Islands region and Adirondack foothills. Winter dominates the calendar here with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures lasting well into March, so pack serious winter gear.

Only 294 students can live on campus, meaning most of the 1,523 enrolled commute from nearby towns and farms. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes intimate, especially in popular programs like nursing and criminal justice. Weekend life revolves around Fort Drum, the massive Army base that employs many local families and brings military culture to the area. Students often work part-time jobs around town or head to nearby lakes for fishing and hiking when weather permits. The NCCAA athletics program fields 10 sports with 109 total athletes, though games draw modest crowds. Many students transfer after completing their associate degrees, contributing to the 26% graduation rate for those who stay the full program.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 294 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–29°F
July Avg: 58°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 79.2"
Annual Snowfall: -565.4"

Student Demographics

Jefferson Community College draws nearly all its students from New York state, reflecting its role as a regional workforce pipeline for the North Country. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, likely driven by strong programs in nursing and human services that traditionally attract female students. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic and Black populations that mirror the changing demographics of upstate New York. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers.

Men: 40.1%
Women: 60.0%
White: 67.9%
Black: 8.8%
Hispanic: 10.6%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 97.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.6%

Location

Jefferson Community College sits in Watertown, New York, about 70 miles northeast of Syracuse. The North Country region features long winters and proximity to the Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario. Watertown serves as a regional center for this rural area, with Fort Drum military base nearby bringing a steady military-connected population. Nearly 98% of students come from within New York State. The small city setting means lower living costs, with on-campus housing available for just 294 students out of 1,523 total enrollment. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities but limited urban amenities compared to larger college towns. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Jefferson Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Watertown, New York 13601-1897

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,991
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,353
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jefferson Community College?

As a community college, Jefferson Community College has an open enrollment policy and accepts all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,523 students with 97.73% coming from New York State. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in the North Country region.

How much does Jefferson Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Jefferson Community College is $11,012 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,156 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $16,596. With tuition at $6,048 for all students and room and board at $14,024, the school keeps costs relatively affordable for a residential college experience.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jefferson Community College?

Jefferson Community College maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college is known for its career-focused associate degrees and transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. With its semester-based calendar system, students receive personalized attention in fields ranging from liberal arts to technical programs.

What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at Jefferson Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 26.30%, which reflects the diverse paths community college students take including part-time enrollment and direct workforce entry. Graduates earn a median of $39,991 ten years after enrollment with manageable debt loads averaging $12,000. The 88.5% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in the regional economy.

Where is Jefferson Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Watertown, New York, a small city near the Canadian border and Fort Drum military installation. With housing capacity for 294 students and 10 varsity sports teams competing in the NCCAA, campus life centers around a tight-knit community atmosphere. The student body is 59.95% women and reflects the demographics of upstate New York.

Does Jefferson Community College offer athletic scholarships?

Jefferson Community College allocates $0 for athletic scholarships despite fielding 10 varsity sports with 109 total athletes. The college competes in the NCCAA and focuses on providing affordable education rather than recruiting through athletic aid. This approach aligns with the community college mission of serving local students regardless of athletic ability.