At $7,485/yr net price, State Fair Community College graduates earn $35,562/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,562/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,562/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,562/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,981/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,873/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,057/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,830/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,039/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 | $52,385 | $16,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,458 | $18,990 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,726 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,870 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,484 | $18,927 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,896 | $9,000 |
The Risk Factor
39.9% of students at State Fair 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
State Fair Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with a low net price of $7,485 annually and manageable debt loads across most programs. Your total investment stays reasonable even when factoring in the 39.90% graduation rate.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $52,385 in median earnings with $16,500 in debt. Industrial production technologies also pays well at $50,856 annually. Dental support services rounds out the top tier at $48,041. These programs justify their costs within Missouri's job market, where healthcare and manufacturing drive employment.
You face financial risk if you pursue programs outside the top earners. The overall median earnings of $35,562 means many graduates earn significantly less than the high-performing programs suggest. With nearly 40% of students not completing their programs, you need clear career goals before enrolling.
This school works financially if you target nursing, industrial technology, or dental services and can complete your program within the typical timeframe. The low sticker price makes it accessible for Missouri residents seeking quick entry into stable careers. You should look elsewhere if you want broader academic options or lack certainty about your career direction.
State Fair keeps costs manageable with only 33.35% of students receiving financial aid, suggesting many can afford the full price. Focus on the high-earning programs and complete your degree to maximize your return on this affordable community college investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State Fair Community College worth the money?
State Fair Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,485 per year and manageable debt of $10,500. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $35,562 are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at State Fair Community College?
Nursing programs at State Fair Community College lead to the highest earnings at around $52,000 annually. Industrial production technologies and dental support services also pay well at $50,000-$48,000, making these programs the strongest ROI options.
How much debt do State Fair Community College graduates have?
State Fair Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low for college. With the school's affordable $7,485 annual cost, most students can avoid heavy borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at State Fair Community College?
Only 40% of students graduate from State Fair Community College. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, significantly reducing the school's overall value proposition.