At $5,808/yr net price, Saint Johns River State College graduates earn $41,728/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,728/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,808 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,728/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,728/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
| 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 | $5,821/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,198/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,425/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 | $52,107 | $14,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $42,044 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $29,239 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,701 | $12,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,212 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,850 | $9,167 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | Associate | $16,874 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Saint Johns River State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Saint Johns River State College delivers solid financial value for career-focused students, with a low net price of $5,808 annually and manageable debt loads across most programs. The nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, with registered nursing graduates earning $52,107 annually while carrying just $14,250 in debt.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Nursing, allied health, and criminal justice graduates all earn above the school's median of $41,728, making these programs strong bets in northeast Florida's healthcare-heavy job market. However, business administration graduates face a troubling mismatch with $29,239 in debt but earnings of only $36,668, creating a lengthy payback period that undermines the program's value.
The 45.7% graduation rate presents a real completion risk. Nearly half of students don't finish, which means no degree and potential debt without the credential to justify it. This risk is particularly concerning for students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support.
The college works best for students targeting healthcare careers or those seeking affordable workforce training close to home. The low cost structure makes it viable even for students paying out of pocket, and the nursing programs provide clear pathways to middle-class earnings in a stable field.
Avoid Saint Johns River if you need a traditional four-year college experience or want programs with strong graduate school preparation. The business program specifically offers poor financial returns compared to the debt load. Students should also consider completion rates carefully and ensure they have the motivation to finish, as the college appears to have limited support systems for struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Johns River State College worth the cost?
At $5,808 per year with typical debt of $12,000, Saint Johns River State College offers decent value for specific career programs. Nursing graduates earn around $52,000 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but other programs may not justify even this low cost.
What programs at Saint Johns River State College have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing and Allied Health programs provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $45,000-$52,000 annually. Business and Criminal Justice programs show weaker outcomes at around $36,000-$42,000, which barely covers the investment.
How much debt do Saint Johns River State College graduates typically have?
Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with a 45% graduation rate, nearly half of students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Do Saint Johns River State College graduates earn enough to justify the investment?
Graduates earn $41,728 on average after 10 years, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt levels. The key is choosing high-demand programs like nursing rather than lower-paying fields like business administration.