At $4,233/yr net price, Alvin Community College graduates earn $45,762/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,762/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,233 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,762/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,762/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,519 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,238/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,744/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,298/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,007/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,151/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $86,867 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,990 | $8,902 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,846 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Alvin Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Alvin Community College delivers strong financial returns for the right programs, with a rock-bottom net price of $4,233 annually making it one of Texas's most affordable college options. Your biggest earning potential comes from Physical Science Technologies, where graduates earn $86,867 annually, and Registered Nursing at $64,990, though nursing students carry higher debt at $8,902.
The 33.5% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll have debt without credentials to show for it. This makes program choice critical since your chances of finishing vary significantly by major.
You should target Alvin if you're pursuing nursing, allied health, or physical science technology programs where the college has established industry connections in the Houston metro area. These fields benefit from the region's large medical center and petrochemical industry presence. Liberal arts and general education transfers carry more risk given the low completion rates.
Financial aid reaches only 23% of students, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price outright. If you do need aid, competition appears limited. The median debt of $4,519 is manageable even if you don't finish, unlike four-year institutions where dropout debt can reach five figures.
Skip Alvin if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside healthcare and technical fields. The completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, and you'll get better support systems at four-year schools if you need academic hand-holding. Choose Alvin when you know exactly what career you want and can commit to finishing the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alvin Community College worth the cost?
At $4,233 per year with median debt of only $4,519, Alvin Community College offers strong value for students who complete programs in nursing or physical sciences. However, the 33.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Alvin Community College?
Physical science technology programs lead with average earnings of $86,867, followed by nursing at $64,990 and allied health at $59,846. These technical programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $45,762.
How much debt do Alvin Community College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $4,519, which is quite low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps graduates avoid financial stress, especially those entering well-paying technical fields.
What is the graduation rate at Alvin Community College?
Only 33.5% of students graduate, which is a significant concern for return on investment. Students should have clear career goals and strong academic preparation before enrolling to avoid becoming part of the dropout statistics.