Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,217/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,783/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,750 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | $26,797 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,228 | $22,324 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,181 | $18,347 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,736 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
74.2% of students at St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify even its relatively modest costs. With median graduate earnings of just $32,217 ten years after enrollment, you'll earn less than many high school graduates in strong regional markets.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program offers the best financial outcome at $33,993 annually, but saddles graduates with $26,797 in debt. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Medical Assisting Services presents an even worse picture, with some graduates earning just $21,736 while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt.
Practical Nursing graduates face the steepest financial challenge. Earning $27,181 with $18,347 in debt means you'll spend years paying off loans while working in physically demanding roles with limited advancement opportunities. The regional healthcare job market in greater St. Louis offers positions, but wage growth remains sluggish across these fields.
This school makes financial sense only if you need healthcare credentials quickly and have exhausted community college options. Community colleges typically offer identical programs at half the cost with better job placement rates. The 74% graduation rate suggests academic support exists, but the earnings data shows most graduates struggle financially regardless of completion.
Financial aid covers nearly 60% of students, but the aid primarily consists of federal loans rather than grants or scholarships. You'll likely graduate with debt regardless of your family's income level. Consider this school only if you live locally, need evening classes, and cannot access community college alternatives. Otherwise, your money works harder elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton worth the cost?
The school's graduates earn $32,217 annually after 10 years, which is relatively low for healthcare fields. With median debt of $11,750, the financial risk is moderate, but earnings remain below average for health career programs.
What are the highest paying programs at St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the best earnings at $33,993 annually, while nursing assistant programs pay the least at $21,736. The earnings gap between programs is significant at this school.
How much debt do St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $11,750, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with starting salaries around $32,000, debt repayment may still be challenging.
What is the graduation rate at St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton?
The school has a 74% graduation rate with 100% acceptance, meaning about 1 in 4 students who enroll don't complete their programs. This completion rate is reasonable for vocational schools but indicates some risk.