At $11,012/yr net price, Jefferson Community College graduates earn $39,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,012 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,156/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,870/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,190/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,247/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,596/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 | $60,771 | $20,689 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,047 | $13,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 | $11,847 |
| 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 | $12,855 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,192 | $9,750 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
26.3% of students at Jefferson 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
Jefferson Community College offers weak overall financial returns, with median earnings of just under $40,000 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 26% graduation rate that leaves most students without credentials.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $60,771 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $20,689. This return justifies the investment given nursing demand in upstate New York's healthcare systems. Criminal justice graduates earn $30,047 annually, which barely covers living expenses in the region, while business administration yields only $25,967 despite being a popular choice.
Your biggest risk here is the graduation rate. Nearly three out of four students leave without completing their programs, making Jefferson a poor bet unless you have strong academic preparation and clear career focus. The low 32% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
Jefferson makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have the academic foundation to complete it. The school also works for local students who can live at home and minimize the $11,012 annual net price through commuting and family support.
Skip Jefferson if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or are considering the weaker career programs like business administration. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings in most programs creates substantial risk that you will accumulate debt without earning a credential. Community colleges in larger metropolitan areas typically offer better job placement networks and higher completion rates for similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson Community College worth the money?
Jefferson Community College offers decent value for nursing students who can expect $60,771 median earnings, but other programs show weaker returns with overall graduate earnings of just $39,991 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 26% means many students pay tuition without completing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Jefferson Community College?
Nursing programs at Jefferson Community College provide the strongest return with median earnings of $60,771. Criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $30,047, while business and accounting programs typically lead to earnings below $30,000.
How much debt do Jefferson Community College students graduate with?
Jefferson Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their program.
Does Jefferson Community College have good job placement after graduation?
Jefferson Community College's overall graduate earnings of $39,991 after 10 years are modest, though nursing graduates see much better outcomes. The 26% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs and enter the workforce with credentials.