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 keeps costs low but delivers weak earnings and a graduation rate that should worry you. Your debt at graduation stays small, and that is the strongest number here. But a 17.70% graduation rate means most people who enroll never finish, and the median earnings a decade out land below what many high school graduates make in the St. Louis metro. The financial return is thin, and the biggest risk is paying and leaving with credits but no credential.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for this school, so treat any specific major payoff as unknown. As a two-year public college, its real value comes from transfer to a four-year university or from workforce certificates that plug directly into local jobs like nursing, skilled trades, and IT support. The listed earnings reflect people who stopped here, not those who moved on to a bachelor's degree. If you finish and transfer, your outcome likely looks better than the median shown.
The net price tiers are cheap across the board. If your family earns under $30k, you pay the least, and the low debt figure suggests you can leave without heavy loans. Even at over $110k income, the price stays modest compared to four-year schools. That makes this a low-cost way to knock out general education credits before transferring.
This school fits you if you plan to transfer, are chasing a specific trade certificate, or need an affordable start while working. It does not fit you if you expect a terminal degree here to lift your earnings. The graduation rate is the warning sign: build a firm transfer or completion plan before enrolling, or you risk paying for credits that go nowhere.
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.