At $9,024/yr net price, Jefferson State Community College graduates earn $40,719/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,719/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,024 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,719/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,719/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,689 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,833/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,930/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,468/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,954/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,318/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 | $52,622 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
23.3% of students at Jefferson State 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 State Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare and technical programs but comes with significant completion risk. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $52,622 and manageable debt of $11,000, creating a strong path to middle-class income in Alabama's growing healthcare sector.
Your success hinges on program choice and finishing your degree. Engineering technology and computer science graduates earn $48,432 and $44,032 respectively, well above the regional average. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $42,682 in median earnings. These technical fields align with Birmingham's medical and manufacturing job market.
The 23% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. Most students who start never finish, leaving them with debt but no credential. If you have struggled academically before or lack clear career direction, this pattern could repeat. The relatively low aid percentage of 29% means you will likely pay most costs out of pocket.
Jefferson State works best if you enter with specific career goals in nursing, allied health, or technical fields. The $9,024 annual cost and $9,689 median debt keep financial risk manageable for completers. You should avoid general studies programs that do not lead directly to employment.
Consider Jefferson State if you want affordable training for Birmingham-area healthcare or technical jobs and have demonstrated ability to complete structured programs. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or plan to transfer to a four-year university without a clear major in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson State Community College worth the cost?
Jefferson State offers reasonable value with low debt ($9,689 median) and affordable tuition ($9,024/year), but the 23% graduation rate is concerning. Nursing and engineering technology programs show strong earnings potential, making the investment worthwhile for students who complete these programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Jefferson State Community College?
Registered nursing leads with $52,622 annual earnings, followed by engineering technology at $48,432. Allied health programs also perform well, with most health-related fields earning $42,000-$45,000 annually.
How much debt do Jefferson State Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $9,689, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with average earnings of $40,719 ten years after enrollment, graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Jefferson State Community College?
Only 23% of students graduate, which significantly impacts the school's value proposition. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning credentials, making program choice and student commitment critical factors.