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$2,136Tuition
7,347Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,302Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Amarillo College

The Badgers serve Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle as one of the region's primary pathways to workforce training and college transfer. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the area's demographics across 7,347 total students. This community college has built its reputation around practical career programs and affordable education in West Texas. The campus sits in midsize Amarillo, where students can access both urban amenities and the wide-open spaces of the high plains.

Students pay an average net price of $6,040 after financial aid, making this one of Texas's more affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $2,136 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $41,302 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $15,000. The employment rate hits 93.1%, suggesting strong job placement in the regional economy. Monthly loan payments average $159 for those who borrow.

Nearly 99% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 65% of enrollment, typical for community colleges. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking educational advancement.

Academics & Faculty

Amarillo College serves as the primary community college for the Texas Panhandle, focusing on career preparation and transfer pathways. The school enrolls 7,347 students with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the practical, workforce-oriented approach typical of community colleges. Students can choose from programs in nursing, automotive technology, and agriculture that connect directly to regional industries. The 30.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of West Texas. The college emphasizes hands-on training and immediate job placement over traditional four-year academic pursuits.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
27:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,302

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,149
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $48,600
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $48,432
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $46,556
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,930
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $41,789
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $37,478
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $36,095
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $35,600
Computer Programming. Associate $35,060

View all 72 programs →

Campus Life

Amarillo College sits in the heart of Texas Panhandle cattle country, where winds sweep across endless plains and students bundle up for harsh winters with freezing temperatures and occasional snow. The 7,347 students commute to campus daily since this is a community college without dormitories. Nearly all students (98.85%) come from Texas, creating a tight-knit local atmosphere where classmates often know each other from high school.

Women make up 65% of the student body, and Hispanic students represent the largest ethnic group at 49.65%. The student-faculty ratio of 27:1 means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Students often work part-time jobs around Amarillo's agricultural and energy industries while taking classes. The Badgers field just 4 varsity sports with 63 total athletes competing in NJCAA athletics. Weekends revolve around work, family obligations, and local hangouts rather than campus social life. Most students view AC as an affordable stepping stone, paying just $2,136 in tuition to earn credits before transferring to four-year universities.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 7 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–50°F
July Avg
64°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
19.7"
Annual Snowfall
17.2"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly two-thirds of Amarillo College's 7,347 students, reflecting the school's strength in nursing, early childhood education, and healthcare programs. Half the student body is Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse campuses in the Texas Panhandle. Nearly 44% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families who need affordable pathways to careers. Almost 99% come from Texas, with most from the local area. These students typically work while taking classes and choose Amarillo College for its job-focused programs and low $2,136 in-state tuition.
Men
34.9%
Women
65.1%
White
35.0%
Black
7.0%
Hispanic
49.7%
Asian
2.8%
In-State Students
98.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
44.0%

Location

Amarillo College sits in the Texas Panhandle, about 120 miles south of the Oklahoma border. The city of 200,000 anchors the High Plains agricultural region. Amarillo's economy centers on cattle ranching, natural gas, and wind energy production. The college draws 98.85% of its students from within Texas. Campus life revolves around the historic Route 66 corridor that runs through downtown. Students experience wide open spaces and big skies characteristic of West Texas. The nearest major metropolitan area is Dallas-Fort Worth, roughly 350 miles southeast. Amarillo's position as a regional center provides internship opportunities in healthcare, energy, and agriculture. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Amarillo College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Amarillo, Texas 79109
AC Street View Edited
AC Street View Edited

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,302
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,187
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,300
Loan Repayment Rate
39.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Amarillo College?

As a community college, Amarillo College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 7,347 students with a focus on providing accessible education to the Texas Panhandle region. Nearly 99% of students are from Texas, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local community.

How much does Amarillo College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,040 annually at Amarillo College. In-state tuition runs just $2,136 per year, making it one of the most affordable educational options in Texas. About 44% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,289 net price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Amarillo College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 27:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of students efficiently. Classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions, but the college emphasizes practical, career-focused programs. The academic calendar follows a traditional semester system.

What do graduates of Amarillo College earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $41,302 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects in the region's energy and agriculture sectors. The employment rate reaches 93.1% for program completers. However, the six-year graduation rate is 30.7%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education.

Where is Amarillo College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Amarillo, a midsize city in the Texas Panhandle known for its agricultural and energy industries. Women make up 65% of the student body, which is 50% Hispanic and 35% white. The Badgers compete in NJCAA athletics with four varsity sports and 63 total athletes receiving $251,000 in athletic scholarships.

Does Amarillo College offer good value for career training programs?

The college excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry with median debt of just $15,000 and monthly loan payments of $159. Many programs connect directly to the Panhandle's dominant industries like healthcare, energy, and agriculture. The low cost structure and regional employer connections make it a practical choice for career changers and traditional students alike.