Jefferson College

1000 Viking Drive
Hillsboro, MO 63050
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • Jefferson College is a student-centered comprehensive community college, committed to providing an accessible, quality college experience as it strives to meet the diverse needs of the students and the community. Superior teaching and services foster a supportive learning environment, which promotes intellectual, social, and personal growth. A strong general education curriculum, college transfer and technical programs, personal enrichment courses, and on-campus experiences prepare students to succeed in their careers, further their education, and prosper in a diverse world. Jefferson College’s ongoing assessment of students, programs and services assures that it is a responsive and progressive community college.

School Highlights

Jefferson College serves 3,775 students (45% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is lower than the state community college average of 27:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 43%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 3,775 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,504
  • Out-state tuition: $4,656
  • Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
  • Minority enrollment: 14%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Jefferson College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:

Category
Attribute
Affordability

School Overview

The teacher population of 155 teachers has declined by 52% over five years.
Jefferson College
(MO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1963
Total Faculty
155 staff
55 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Jefferson College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Jefferson College diversity score of 0.26 is less than the state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has grown by 70% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,775 students
1,723 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
27:1

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Full-Time Students
1,701 students
619 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
2,074 students
1,104 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
3,775 students
1,074 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,701 students
708 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,074 students
1,033 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
204 students
204 students

Showing 2010–2023. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓

% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
3%
6%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
2%
10%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
86%
57%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
4%
20%
Diversity Score
0.26
0.62

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
44%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,800
$30,900

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $3,504 is less than the state average of $3,825. The in-state tuition has declined by 41% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,656 is less than the state average of $5,579. The out-state tuition has declined by 39% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,504
$3,825
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,656
$5,579
Tuition Notes
$180/$237/$304 per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
92%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$8,640
$10,500

Showing 2010–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Each year Jefferson College graduates transfer successfully to many four-year colleges and universities to complete their Bachelor's degree. By completing their general education requirements at Jefferson College, these students enter the four-year institution at Junior standing. It's a great way to save money while preparing yourself academically. Jefferson College enrolls more than 4000 students each year in college credit courses. More than 10,000 students take part in credit and Extended Learning offerings annually. Jefferson College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Jefferson College offers numerous programs in the "high tech" fields that are in high demand. These programs are designed to get you into the workforce in two years or less. Our Career & Technical Education graduates have experienced an average job placement rate of 97%, with starting salaries that rivaled or surpassed starting salaries of Bachelor degree graduates. Jefferson College sports teams compete annually at the national level. Four-year educational institutions recruit Jefferson College athletes because of their athletic and academic abilities. Women's athletic programs include volleyball and basketball. The men's athletic programs include baseball and tennis. Jefferson College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (formerly known as the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Jefferson College cost?
Jefferson College's tuition is approximately $3,504 for In-State students and $4,656 for Out-State students.
What is Jefferson College's ranking?
Jefferson College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Missouri for: Least expensive tuition and Least debt for graduating students.

Recent Articles

Will Your Community College GPA Follow You After Transfer?
Will Your Community College GPA Follow You After Transfer?
Will your community college GPA follow you after transfer? Learn how university grades, transcripts, scholarships, graduate admissions, and academic standing may be affected by your previous college performance.
The Transfer Catalog-Year Trap: What Students Must Check
The Transfer Catalog-Year Trap: What Students Must Check
Could university requirements change before you transfer? Learn how catalog years, continuous enrollment, and degree rules affect your pathway, and what students should verify before choosing university courses.
Transfer Agreements: Admission vs. Your Major
Transfer Agreements: Admission vs. Your Major
Does your transfer agreement guarantee admission to your major? Discover what happens when universities accept transfer students but restrict entry to specific academic programs and degrees after admission.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 3,775 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,504
  • Out-state tuition: $4,656
  • Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
  • Minority enrollment: 14%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Missouri public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,825 per year for in-state students and $5,579 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $16,817 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Missouri is 82%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Missouri community colleges have a diversity score of 0.62, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Missouri is Concorde Career College-Kansas City. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links