At $6,040/yr net price, Amarillo College graduates earn $41,302/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,302/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,040 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,302/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,302/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,289/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,674/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,796/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,927/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,662/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,149 | $17,586 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,600 | $12,000 |
| 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 | $12,817 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,789 | $13,304 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,478 | $13,003 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $36,095 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $35,600 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
30.7% of students at Amarillo 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
Amarillo College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning $41,302 annually while carrying just $15,000 in median debt. The low debt burden makes this school financially accessible even if you don't complete your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $57,149 annually. Dental support services and electromechanical instrumentation both deliver strong mid-career earnings near $48,000, making these technical programs excellent investments. Criminal justice graduates earn $46,556, which is respectable for the field but may limit long-term earning potential in the Texas Panhandle job market.
The 30% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Amarillo College. You face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This makes program choice critical - stick to high-demand fields like healthcare and skilled trades where job prospects remain strong even with partial completion.
This school works best for students seeking practical career training rather than transfer preparation. The nursing program offers particularly strong value given the healthcare demand in rural Texas. Technical programs align well with the regional energy and agriculture economy.
With 44% of students receiving financial aid and relatively low costs, affordability remains strong. The community college structure keeps expenses manageable, but you need to graduate to realize the investment benefits. Consider Amarillo College if you want job-focused training with minimal debt, but look elsewhere if you need a four-year degree or plan to work in high-cost metropolitan areas where these salary levels may not stretch as far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amarillo College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,040 per year and median debt of only $15,000, Amarillo College offers strong value for students who graduate. However, the 30.7% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Amarillo College?
Nursing programs lead with $57,149 median earnings, followed by dental support services at $48,600 and electromechanical technology at $48,432. These technical and healthcare programs significantly outperform the overall school average of $41,302.
How much student debt do Amarillo College graduates have?
Graduates have a median debt of $15,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low cost and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal.
What is the job market like for Amarillo College graduates?
Healthcare and technical program graduates typically find steady work in the Texas Panhandle region. Criminal justice graduates earn around $46,556, while general liberal arts students may face more limited local opportunities.