James A. Rhodes State College
James A. Rhodes State College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
James A. Rhodes State College at a Glance
James A. Rhodes State College is a public community college in Lima, Ohio, United States. High school students comprise over 50% of those enrolled at Rhodes State College.
1971
55 years old
1,845
Identity
Is James A. Rhodes State College Worth It?
James A. Rhodes State College offers moderate value at $8,757/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $41,855, which is 22% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How James A. Rhodes State College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #35 of 130 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #5 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #6 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #35 | James A. Rhodes State College | 47 | $8,757 | $41,855 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of James A. Rhodes State College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 15 in OH.
Best Programs at James A. Rhodes State College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for James A. Rhodes State College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,757/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Lima, OH
- Student Body
- 1,590 students
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,757
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,855
- Median Student Debt
- $12,000