At $5,981/yr net price, St Charles Community College graduates earn $42,422/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,422/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,981 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,422/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,422/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,187 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,598/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,017/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,032/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,287/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,015/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 | $54,109 | $10,000 |
| 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 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
23.0% of students at St Charles 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
St Charles Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nurses earning $54,109 annually against just $10,000 in debt. Computer programming graduates also see solid returns at $49,058 yearly.
Avoid the liberal arts track if your goal is financial gain. These graduates earn only $27,103 per year, making this one of Missouri's weaker community college outcomes for general studies. The low 23% graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Your biggest financial advantage here is the low cost. At $5,981 annually, you face minimal financial risk even if you switch majors or take longer to graduate. The median debt of $6,187 keeps most graduates from crushing loan payments regardless of their field.
This school works best if you want practical healthcare or technical training without university costs. The nursing programs offer particularly good value in Missouri's healthcare job market. You should look elsewhere if you need a four-year degree or want more academic options beyond the health and tech focus.
Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low sticker price outright. This makes St Charles accessible for working adults and those paying out of pocket, but limits scholarship opportunities if you need additional funding support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Charles Community College worth the money?
St Charles Community College offers strong value for nursing and computer programming students, with graduates earning $44,000-$54,000 annually. However, the 23% graduation rate is concerning, and liberal arts students earn only $27,000 after graduation.
What are the best paying programs at St Charles Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $54,109 annually, followed by computer programming at $49,058. Health administration and liberal arts programs pay significantly less at $34,000 and $27,000 respectively.
How much debt do St Charles Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $6,187, making it less risky than four-year schools. With a net price of $5,981 per year, most students can graduate with manageable debt levels.
What is the graduation rate at St Charles Community College?
Only 23% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, reducing the school's overall value proposition.