Head-to-head · 2026
Jefferson State Community College vs Marion Military Institute
Compare average net price ($9,086 at Jefferson State Community College; $8,627 at Marion Military Institute), ROI score (11.20 vs 17.28), ten-year median earnings ($40,719 vs $59,644), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Jefferson State Community College; 97% at Marion Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. Marion Military Institute has a 5-0 metric-level edge. Marion Military Institute has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Jefferson State Community College | Marion Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.20 | 17.28 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,086 | $8,627 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,719 | $59,644 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 97% |
| Graduation rate | 25.6% | 36% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,689 | $9,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,470 | 329 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1068 |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Jefferson State Community College costs $459 more per year than Marion Military Institute ($9,086 vs $8,627). Marion Military Institute graduates report $18,925 higher median earnings after ten years ($59,644 vs $40,719). On EduGradify's model that puts Marion Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (17.28 vs 11.20, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Marion Military Institute) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Marion Military Institute reports 97% acceptance; Jefferson State Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Jefferson State Community College vs Marion Military Institute, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Jefferson State Community College or Marion Military Institute the better value?
Marion Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.28 vs 11.20), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marion Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $8,627 per year vs $9,086 at Jefferson State Community College. The annual difference of $459 adds up to about $1,836 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Marion Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $59,644 vs $40,719 at Jefferson State Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,925.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Jefferson State Community College reports a A value grade; Marion Military Institute reports A+.

