At $6,306/yr net price, Austin Community College District graduates earn $43,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,177/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,306 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,177/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,499 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,278/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,317/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,908/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $66,915 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $65,905 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,830 | $14,162 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $58,673 | $9,625 |
| Computer Programming. | Certificate | $58,221 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $49,491 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,064 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $46,560 | |
| Engineering, General. | Associate | $46,087 | $7,113 |
| Carpenters. | Associate | $45,529 | $13,750 |
The Risk Factor
18.0% of students at Austin Community College District 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
Austin Community College District offers solid financial returns for students who complete specific career-focused programs, but the 18% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for those who don't finish.
Your best financial bets are accounting, dental support services, and nursing programs, which all generate median earnings above $58,000 annually. Accounting graduates earn $66,915, making it the clear winner for return on investment. Computer programming also delivers strong earnings at $58,221. These programs justify the low net price of $6,306 per year and position you well in Austin's growing tech and healthcare job markets.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. With fewer than one in five students completing their programs, you face the possibility of carrying debt without the credential needed for higher wages. The median debt load of $10,499 is manageable if you finish, but becomes a burden if you drop out.
This school works best for you if you have clear career goals in high-demand fields like healthcare or business, can commit to completing your program, and want to minimize education costs while staying in the Austin area. The low percentage of students receiving aid (23%) suggests limited need-based assistance, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Avoid Austin Community College if you're uncertain about your career direction or have a history of struggling to complete academic programs. The low graduation rate indicates many students face challenges finishing, making this a risky choice for those without strong academic preparation or clear motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin Community College District worth the money?
With a net price of $6,306 per year and graduates earning $43,177 annually after 10 years, Austin Community College District offers decent value for money. The low cost helps offset the concerning 18% graduation rate, though students should be prepared for the possibility of not completing their program.
What are the highest paying programs at Austin Community College District?
Accounting ($66,915), dental support services ($65,905), and nursing ($58,830) are the top-earning programs at Austin Community College District. These programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $43,177 and justify the investment better than other offerings.
How much student debt do Austin Community College District graduates have?
Austin Community College District graduates typically leave with $10,499 in debt, which is manageable given the school's low annual cost. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially for graduates in higher-paying programs like accounting or nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Austin Community College District and does it matter?
Austin Community College District has an 18% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. While the low cost reduces financial risk, students should have realistic expectations about completion and consider whether they're likely to be among the minority who graduate.