Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,719
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,689
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $103/mo
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 | $52,622 | $11,000 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,021 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $44,032 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $9,750 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,141 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,658 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,580 | $8,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $25,525 |
Outcomes Overview
Jefferson State graduates earn $40,719 ten years after leaving, while carrying median debt of $9,689. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 24%, well below the concerning 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $103 consume only 3% of typical graduate income. The 95.7% employment rate reflects strong job placement in Birmingham's healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors. Many graduates use Jefferson State as a stepping stone to four-year universities or enter technical fields where two-year credentials lead directly to middle-class careers. With low debt burdens and solid earning potential in Alabama's largest metro area, Jefferson State delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career training or transfer preparation.