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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest returns. At $7,485 a year in net price and a median debt of $10,500, you keep your borrowing small, which matters because the median graduate earns $35,562 ten years out. That's a below-average payoff, and it hinges almost entirely on which program you pick.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here, paying about $17,000 more per year than the school-wide median. Industrial production technologies pays nearly as well and shows no median debt, making it one of the strongest bets on campus. Dental support and the two allied health tracks all clear $39,000, so the health and technical programs are where your money goes to work.
The risk is the 39.9% graduation rate. Six in ten students don't finish, and if you leave with debt but no credential, the low earnings floor becomes your ceiling. Nursing also carries the highest debt on this list at $16,500, and one allied health track hits $18,990, so borrow with the finished degree in mind.
Note that the net price actually rises as family income climbs, from $6,873 in the $30k-$48k band to $9,039 for families over $110k. If your household earns under $48k, you pay the least here. Higher-income families pay more but still land under $9,100 a year, which is cheap for two years of college.
This school fits you if you want a nursing, industrial, dental, or allied health credential at low cost and can commit to finishing. If you're aiming for a general associate degree with no clear career track, the $35,562 median tells you the return is thin, and you should look at the specific program before enrolling.
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.