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$1,834Tuition
3,451Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,762Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Alvin Community College

Alvin Community College serves as a stepping stone for students in the Houston metropolitan area looking to launch careers or transfer to four-year universities. The college enrolls 3,451 students in a large suburban setting that provides access to Houston's job market while maintaining a more affordable, close-knit campus environment. Students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in foundational courses and career-focused programs.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. After financial aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,238 annually, while those from higher-income families typically pay around $6,000. With median debt of only $4,519 and monthly loan payments averaging $48, graduates avoid the crushing debt loads common at four-year institutions. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $45,762, making this one of the more affordable paths to stable employment.

The student body reflects the diverse Houston area, with 41% Hispanic students, 33% white students, and 16% Black students. Nearly 99% of students come from Texas, creating a strong sense of community. While athletics remain limited with just 52 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, the college focuses resources on academics and workforce preparation rather than athletic programs.

Academics & Faculty

Alvin Community College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing transfer degrees and workforce certifications in the Houston metro area. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many larger institutions cannot offer. However, the 33.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and academic commitments. The college emphasizes practical career training alongside traditional academic programs. Students benefit from small class sizes that allow professors to know them by name. The institution focuses heavily on preparing students for immediate employment or seamless transfer to four-year universities. Academic support services help students navigate the transition from high school or returning to education after time away.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,762

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. Associate $86,867
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $64,990
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $59,846

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Alvin Community College revolves around a commuter campus where 98.89% of students are Texas residents who typically drive home each evening. The suburban campus sits about 25 miles southeast of Houston, close enough for students to access internships and jobs in the nation's fourth-largest city. Texas heat dominates most of the academic year, with students needing sunscreen far more often than winter coats.

With 3,451 students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel personal but not cramped. The campus culture centers around getting degree requirements done efficiently and affordably. In-state students pay just $1,834 in tuition, making this a popular choice for Houston-area residents seeking transfer credits or workforce training. Weekends typically mean heading home or working, as the college offers limited campus housing. The 52 student athletes competing in two NJCAA sports provide some school spirit, though most students focus on academics and part-time jobs. The diverse student body reflects the Houston metro area, with 41.21% Hispanic and 32.51% white enrollment.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1948

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
42°–61°F
July Avg
73°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
53.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body at Alvin Community College reflects the demographics of southeast Texas, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at over 40% of enrollment. Nearly 99% of the 3,451 students come from Texas, showing the college's strong ties to the local community. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that attract students pursuing healthcare, education, and transfer programs. The diverse mix mirrors the growing multicultural population of the greater Houston area.
Men
42.9%
Women
57.1%
White
32.5%
Black
16.1%
Hispanic
41.2%
Asian
6.2%
In-State Students
98.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.1%

Location

Alvin Community College sits in Alvin, Texas, about 25 miles southeast of Houston. The campus serves a diverse suburban community where 41.21% of students are Hispanic and 32.51% are White. Alvin lies in the Gulf Coast region, known for its petrochemical industry and proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center. The area offers easy access to both Houston's urban amenities and the Texas Gulf Coast. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local ties. The community college serves as an educational center for families in Brazoria County seeking affordable higher education options. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Alvin Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Alvin, Texas 77511-4898
Alvin Community College A Building,Texas
Alvin Community College A Building,Texas

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,762
Median Earnings (5 years)
$62,127
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,700
Loan Repayment Rate
49.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$48/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,519

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alvin Community College?

Alvin Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements like a high school diploma or GED. The college serves 3,451 students primarily from the local Houston metropolitan area. Nearly 99% of students are Texas residents, reflecting its role as a local educational gateway.

How much does Alvin Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,233 annually, making it highly affordable compared to four-year institutions. In-state tuition costs just $1,834, while out-of-state students pay $4,330. Only 23% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price without borrowing.

What academic programs is Alvin Community College known for?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in career-focused programs. Founded in 1948, Alvin Community College has built a reputation for workforce development and transfer preparation. The school emphasizes practical training that leads to employment, with 87% of graduates finding work.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Alvin Community College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,762 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid career outcomes for a two-year degree. The 33.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who work while studying. Monthly loan payments average just $48, keeping debt manageable for working-class students.

Where is Alvin Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Alvin, Texas, a large suburban community southeast of Houston. With only 52 total athletes competing in 2 NJCAA sports, the Dolphins focus more on academics than athletics. The diverse student body includes 41% Hispanic students and 16% Black students, reflecting the changing demographics of the Houston area.

Does Alvin Community College offer good value for students from low-income families?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $3,238, making higher education accessible to working-class families. The college awards $193,705 in athletic scholarships despite its small sports program. Low borrowing rates mean most students graduate debt-free, with only 3.84% taking federal loans.