At $6,693/yr net price, Stark State College graduates earn $34,661/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $661/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,693 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,661/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$661/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 40.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,786 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,629/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,176/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,165/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 | $55,061 | $15,510 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $16,750 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | $16,125 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $36,674 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,409 | $13,982 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $30,228 |
The Risk Factor
22.7% of students at Stark State 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
Stark State College delivers solid returns for healthcare students but struggles elsewhere. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $55,061 annually against just $15,510 in debt, creating one of the strongest payback ratios you'll find at any two-year school.
Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties hitting $47,260 in median earnings. Clinical lab science and dental support services both clear $37,000, making healthcare your best bet for financial success here. Computer networking graduates earn $36,674, respectable for a technical field.
The major red flag is the 23% graduation rate. Nearly four out of five students leave without completing their programs, creating significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without the credentials to justify it. This makes program selection critical since you need to be confident you'll finish.
Your financial aid picture looks challenging with only 27% of students receiving aid, well below national averages. Merit scholarships appear limited, so expect to rely heavily on federal aid and out-of-pocket payments for the $6,693 annual net price.
Stark State works financially if you're targeting healthcare programs and confident in your ability to complete coursework. The nursing and allied health tracks offer clear career paths in Ohio's medical sector. Avoid this school if you're exploring general studies or undecided about your major, given the low completion rates. Students seeking broad academic exploration or extensive financial aid should look at four-year public options instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stark State College worth the cost?
Stark State College offers decent value for career-focused students, with low tuition at $6,693 per year and manageable debt around $13,786. However, the 23% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $34,661 after 10 years lag behind many four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Stark State College?
Nursing programs at Stark State College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $55,061 annually. Allied health and medical lab programs also perform well, typically paying $37,000-$47,000 per year.
How much debt do Stark State College graduates have?
Stark State College graduates typically leave with $13,786 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
Why is Stark State College's graduation rate so low?
Stark State College's 23% graduation rate reflects challenges common to community colleges, including part-time enrollment and students juggling work responsibilities. This low completion rate means many students don't finish their programs to see career benefits.