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$3,000Tuition
5,008Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,422Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About St Charles Community College

St Charles Community College draws 5,008 students to its suburban Cottleville campus, serving as the primary stepping stone for St. Charles County residents pursuing higher education. The college specializes in career-focused programs and transfer pathways that prepare students for four-year universities. Nearly 98% of students come from Missouri, reflecting its deep roots in the local community. The school operates on a semester system and maintains strong ties with regional employers and state universities.

Students typically pay $5,981 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Missouri. Low-income families pay just $3,598 net price, while even higher-income students rarely pay more than $9,287. Graduates earn a median of $42,422 ten years after starting, with monthly loan payments averaging only $66. Only 25% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking practical career training. The debt burden stays manageable at $6,187 median.

The 23% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often work while studying or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Women make up 59% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Cougars compete in eight NJCAA sports with 132 total athletes, offering modest athletic scholarship opportunities totaling $182,277.

Academics & Faculty

St Charles Community College serves as a transfer pipeline and career training center for students across the St. Louis metro area. The college offers both associate degrees for university transfer and workforce programs in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individual attention than at many four-year schools. However, the 23% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degree. The college's strength lies in providing affordable education with 97.86% of students coming from Missouri, keeping costs low for local families seeking either career credentials or a cost-effective start to their bachelor's degree.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
24.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,422

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,109
Computer Programming. Associate $49,058
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $44,649
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $27,103
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $25,194

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

St. Charles Community College sits in Cottleville, about 30 minutes west of St. Louis, where students can access internships and entertainment in a major metropolitan area. The suburban campus serves 5,008 students who commute daily since no dormitories exist. Women make up 58.89% of the student body, creating a slightly female-leaning environment in hallways and study spaces.

Missouri's continental climate means students bundle up in heavy coats for January classes and switch to shorts by April. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, so most know the drill about unpredictable spring weather and humid summers. With 132 student athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports, Cougars games provide weekend entertainment, though many students work part-time jobs or spend time with family since the college draws heavily from local communities. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in smaller career program classes, while general education courses fill larger lecture halls with transfer-bound students heading to four-year universities.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–39°F
July Avg
67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
41.3"
Annual Snowfall
15.5"

Student Demographics

St. Charles Community College draws overwhelmingly from Missouri, with nearly 98% of students calling the state home. This reflects the school's role as a local educational anchor in St. Charles County. The student body leans female at 59%, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and health sciences programs attract more women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers. The diverse mix includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic students alongside the white majority.
Men
41.1%
Women
58.9%
White
67.6%
Black
9.2%
Hispanic
6.7%
Asian
2.4%
In-State Students
97.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.8%

Location

St Charles Community College sits in Cottleville, Missouri, about 40 miles west of St. Louis. The campus serves the rapidly growing St. Charles County area, where suburban development has transformed former farmland into one of Missouri's most prosperous regions. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. The St. Charles area offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with the Missouri River providing recreational opportunities nearby. Students benefit from proximity to both St. Louis job markets and the quieter suburban lifestyle that defines this part of the Missouri River valley. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare St Charles Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Cottleville, Missouri 63376-0975
St. Charles Community College Administration Building
St. Charles Community College Administration Building

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,422
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,743
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,100
Loan Repayment Rate
44.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$66/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,187

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at St Charles Community College?

St Charles Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 5,008 students primarily from Missouri, with 97.86% being in-state residents. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in St. Charles County.

How much does St Charles Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at St Charles Community College is $5,981 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,598 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay around $9,000. With in-state tuition at only $3,000, it ranks among the most affordable college options in Missouri.

What is the student-faculty ratio at St Charles Community College?

St Charles Community College maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. The college focuses on career training programs and transfer pathways to universities. Students benefit from practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for immediate employment or continued education.

What are the employment outcomes for St Charles Community College graduates?

St Charles Community College boasts a 93.6% employment rate for its graduates, reflecting strong connections to local employers. Median earnings reach $42,422 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying low debt loads of just $6,187. The college's career-focused programs align well with regional job market demands in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Where is St Charles Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Cottleville, Missouri, a large suburban community in the growing St. Charles County region. With 132 student athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports, the Cougars provide opportunities for athletic participation alongside academics. The campus serves as a community center, drawing nearly 98% of its students from within Missouri.

Does St Charles Community College offer financial aid to students?

Only 24.84% of students receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, indicating many families can afford the low tuition without significant assistance. The college awards $182,277 in athletic scholarships across its sports programs. Students who do borrow money face manageable monthly loan payments averaging just $66, making education debt highly affordable.