At $7,423/yr net price, Zane State College graduates earn $35,006/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,006/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,423 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,692 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,006/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,006/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 29.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,834 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,563/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,904/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,427/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,823/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,349/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,592 | $7,209 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,381 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,658 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,580 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $25,194 | $6,950 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,268 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Zane State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Zane State College offers strong financial value for technical career training, with low debt levels and affordable tuition making it accessible for working-class students in southeastern Ohio. Your net price of $7,423 annually creates minimal financial risk, especially with median debt under $7,000.
The college's electrical engineering technology program delivers strong returns at $52,107 in median earnings, far outpacing the overall graduate median of $35,006. Health-related programs also show solid potential, with diagnostic professions earning $33,281 and medical assisting services at $31,592. Energy systems technology provides another viable path at $30,771, reflecting regional industrial opportunities.
Liberal arts and general studies graduates face weaker prospects at $28,381, barely exceeding the regional median income. The 53% graduation rate indicates completion challenges you should consider seriously before enrolling.
This college works best for students seeking practical, hands-on training for middle-skill jobs in healthcare and manufacturing. The low debt burden makes it particularly suitable if you're unsure about your career direction or need to work while attending. However, if you're targeting higher-earning professional careers or planning to transfer to a four-year university, you might find better options elsewhere.
The notably low financial aid participation rate of 18% suggests either limited need among students or potential gaps in aid programming. Merit scholarship opportunities appear limited based on the aid data, so plan to cover costs through work-study or family contributions rather than expecting significant grant assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zane State College worth the money?
Zane State College offers solid value with a low net price of $7,423 per year and minimal debt averaging $6,834. However, average earnings of $35,006 after 10 years are below national averages, making this primarily worthwhile for students pursuing high-paying technical programs.
What are the best paying programs at Zane State College?
Electrical Engineering Technologies leads with $52,107 average earnings, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $33,281. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $28,381, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much student debt do Zane State College graduates have?
Zane State College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $6,834. The low cost structure helps minimize borrowing, though the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
Do Zane State College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Employment outcomes vary significantly by program at Zane State College. Technical fields like electrical engineering technology show strong job prospects, while general studies graduates face more limited earning potential in the local job market.