Degree Dividend
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Jefferson State Community College vs Lawson State Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Birmingham AL · vs · Public, Birmingham AL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Jefferson State Community College comes closer — median earnings $40,719 against a $18,172 total, vs $31,701 at Lawson State Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureJefferson State Community CollegeLawson State Community College
Net price / yr$9,086$6,275
Total net cost$18,172$12,550
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,719$31,701
Median debt$9,689
Payback
20-year net return-$170,992-$345,730

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Jefferson State Community College vs Lawson State Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Jefferson State Community College or Lawson State Community College a better value?
Jefferson State Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Jefferson State Community College or Lawson State Community College?
Lawson State Community College: $6,275/yr net price after aid versus $9,086/yr at Jefferson State Community College — a difference of $2,811 a year, or about $5,622 over four years.
Do Jefferson State Community College or Lawson State Community College graduates earn more?
Jefferson State Community College graduates earn a median $40,719 ten years after entry, versus $31,701 at Lawson State Community College — a $9,018 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.