At $6,458/yr net price, Saint Louis Community College graduates earn $35,325/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,325/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,325/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,325/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,725 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,718/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,423/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,576/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,644/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,180/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 | $54,013 | $8,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,161 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,321 | $8,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,937 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $40,467 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,701 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| American Sign Language. | Associate | $33,138 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,138 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
17.7% of students at Saint Louis 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
Saint Louis Community College offers solid financial returns for healthcare programs but struggles with completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition. The school's $6,458 annual net price makes it affordable, but only 18% of students graduate.
Your best financial bet lies in nursing, which delivers $54,013 median earnings with just $8,500 in debt. Dental support services and allied health programs also perform well, with graduates earning $46,000 to $50,000 annually. Computer science offers moderate returns at $40,467, though debt data isn't available for this program.
The completion rate creates serious financial risk. Four out of five students leave without a credential, meaning you're likely to end up with debt but no degree to show employers. This makes program selection critical. Stick to healthcare fields where the school has proven track records and clear career pipelines.
You're a good financial fit if you can commit to completing a healthcare program and plan to work in the St. Louis metro area where these credentials have strong demand. The low debt loads mean even modest healthcare salaries provide positive returns. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts, business, or other programs not listed among the top earners.
Financial aid reaches less than 30% of students, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly in a high-earning field like nursing or dental services. The school works financially for focused, completion-minded students in healthcare careers, but the graduation statistics suggest most students would find better value elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Louis Community College worth the money?
Saint Louis Community College offers strong value for specific programs, particularly nursing and healthcare fields that lead to median earnings of $41,000-$54,000. However, the 18% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What programs at Saint Louis Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and dental support programs at Saint Louis Community College offer the highest earning potential, with graduates making $50,000-$54,000 annually. Computer science graduates earn around $40,000, while other allied health programs range from $41,000-$46,000.
How much debt do Saint Louis Community College graduates have?
Saint Louis Community College graduates who borrow money leave with a median debt of $6,725, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $6,458 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Saint Louis Community College?
Only 18% of students graduate from Saint Louis Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for students considering enrollment, as non-graduates typically see no return on their investment.