Can I graduate debt-free? 

Colleges and universities prepare financial aid offers based on a student's SAI score (determined by the FAFSA), high school academics, extracurricular activities, essays, and other factors. Financial aid offers commonly include student and Parent Plus loans equaling up to $30,000 a year for four years. The total out-of-pocket cost for a family is often more than $120,000, for a 4-year BA degree - for just one student. 

Cost-of-living (room and board) is a large part of the total cost of college. Even when students earn a full-tuition scholarships, they may still not be able to afford to attend college because the cost of room and board is so high. 

Three major pathways exist for Jefferson Middle College students who want to graduate debt-free (or close to it). Jefferson Middle College students have successfully taken advantage of each pathway on their journey toward a debt-free degree. A student's Cumulative GPA, extracurricular activities, academic/career plans, financial and personal experience and values will determine their pathway.