The Junior Colleges With The Highest Earning Graduates In Each State

Are you feeling anxious about the necessity of a bachelor’s or graduate degree to secure a decent income?

In today’s job market, a four-year degree can often feel like the new baseline requirement. However, research indicates that pursuing additional years of schooling doesn’t always correlate with higher earnings.

Previously, we analyzed the top earning graduates from small colleges across states. Now, we shift our focus to the junior colleges, which are often the unsung heroes of higher education, showcasing the institutions with the highest earners in each state.

Junior colleges, also known as community colleges, offer technical degrees, associate degrees, and bridging programs for bachelor’s degrees. Here’s a look at the top 10 colleges producing high earners:

1. Cochran School of Nursing – New York
2. Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health – California
3. University of Pittsburgh-Titusville – Pennsylvania
4. Laboure College – Massachusetts
5. Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences – Ohio
6. Maine College of Health Professions – Maine
7. University of South Carolina-Lancaster – South Carolina
8. Dunwoody College of Technology – Minnesota
9. Potomac State College of West Virginia University – West Virginia
10. Highlands College of Montana Tech – Montana

As seen, obtaining a technical degree in health sciences can lead to lucrative employment within just two years of study!

Even if healthcare isn’t your passion, there are numerous professions—such as web developer, computer programmer, or police officer—that can be pursued with an associate or technical degree.

If you’re uncertain about pursuing an advanced degree, rest assured! Zippia has simplified the search for a junior college that aligns with your career aspirations and budget.

How We Determined The Highest Earning Junior Colleges

Utilizing the latest College Scorecard data, we identified the junior colleges in each state that have the highest average earnings for graduates 10 years post-graduation.

In data analysis terms, we focused on the variable MN_EARN_WNE_P10, which represents the mean earnings of graduates a decade after entering the workforce.

Fortunately, data was accessible for institutions in every state, enabling us to create an accurate ranking of the junior colleges.

1. Cochran School of Nursing

Location: Yonkers, NY
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $82,700

With impressive earnings exceeding $80k ten years after graduation, the Cochran School of Nursing proudly stands as the top institution for earning potential. To put this into context, a nursing degree can yield a salary comparable to that of a physical therapist, but with three to five years less education.

Cochran School of Nursing offers flexible programs and numerous affiliate schools, enabling students to earn a BSN in as little as two years following their graduation from Cochran.

2. Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $82,100

Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health closely follows as a premier institution for the health sciences.

Having produced top health associates for over 120 years, it’s easy to understand why their motto, “There is no education like it in the world,” resonates so strongly.

3. University of Pittsburgh-Titusville

Location: Titusville, PA
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $58,000

Thinking that attending a regional campus of a major state university might limit your job prospects? Think again! The University of Pittsburgh-Titusville ranks third in our list of highest earners.

At Pitt-Titusville, students can select from 14 different associate degree programs or start their bachelor’s degree journey. The campus offers excellent services for veterans and features an early acceptance program for bachelor’s and graduate programs!

4. Laboure College

Location: Milton, MA
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $56,300

For those seeking a college with a historic touch, Laboure College, established in 1892, has been instrumental in helping thousands graduate with nursing and health tech degrees. This private junior college offers distinguished programs with small class sizes and competitive post-graduation salaries.

Plus, who wouldn’t want to attend classes in a Victorian mansion?

5. Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Location: Canton, OH
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $53,300

Aultman College ranks fifth, with an average salary of around $53k a decade after graduation. Given that four of the top five schools focus on allied health and nursing, it’s evident that careers in healthcare are in high demand.

Aultman College boasts small class sizes, with 80% of classes having fewer than 20 students, and allows direct entry into chosen programs, eliminating the need for excess coursework. Their nursing program even boasts a 90% job placement rate within 12 months of graduation!

6. Maine College of Health Professions

Location: Lewiston, ME
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $52,000

75% of the Maine College of Health Professions’ major programs have achieved a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The college offers flexible evening classes and remote access, making it easy to pursue a healthcare degree. Graduates typically incur only $16k in student debt, which is manageable given their $52k salary.

And who wouldn’t want to enjoy affordable access to fresh lobster while earning a degree with such a promising salary after just two years?

7. University of South Carolina-Lancaster

Location: Lancaster, SC
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $51,700

South Carolina is known for its affordability, and combined with a commendable salary after completing a junior college program, you’ll be set for a comfortable life. The University of South Carolina is a reputable institution, ensuring that an education from the Lancaster campus is a valuable investment.

USC-Lancaster provides a large college experience close to home, offering various flexible options, allowing students to work while enjoying a university-like atmosphere without overwhelming expenses.

8. Dunwoody College of Technology

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $51,000

Dunwoody College of Technology is a standout junior college located in a vibrant urban environment, making it an ideal place for students to secure quality jobs. With an impressive 98% job placement rate, attending Dunwoody offers students a sense of security.

Dunwoody focuses on high-tech education rather than health sciences, preparing students to become engineers, builders, or robotics technicians. If healthcare isn’t your path, Dunwoody has options to support you.

9. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Location: Keyser, WV
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $50,600

Interested in pursuing education without breaking the bank? Potomac State College offers remarkably affordable tuition, with even out-of-state students benefiting from rates as low as $11,376 per year. With an average salary of $50k, students can expect to pay off their student debt swiftly.

This college features a diverse array of two-year programs, ensuring you can find a course that aligns with your career goals, from forest resource management to elementary education.

10. Highlands College of Montana Tech

Location: Butte, MT
Median Earnings At 10 Yrs: $50,400

At Highlands College, also known as the Diggers, you can embark on a rewarding career path after graduation. Although it ranks last on our list, it remains a highly regarded technical school. The college offers a variety of programs, including healthcare and business, along with specialized fields like mining and engineering.

As the top-ranking junior college in Montana for salaries 10 years post-graduation, graduates can anticipate well-prepared careers and attractive paychecks.

Concluding the Journey to the Top of the Income Ladder

Now that you’ve explored our list of junior colleges with the highest earning graduates, you can confidently seek a program in your state that cultivates successful earners.

If nursing is your ambition, consider heading to the Cochran School of Nursing to capitalize on that impressive $82k annual salary.

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.