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 runs a low-cost, low-completion model. Your net price of $6,306 a year is cheap for a four-year school, and median debt at graduation sits near $10,500, low enough that most borrowers can pay it off without strain. The problem is the 18% graduation rate. Most people who enroll do not finish, and the debt still comes due whether the credential does or not. That is the central financial risk here: you can leave with loans and no degree.
For those who do finish, median earnings ten years out land around $43,000. That is a modest return in the Austin metro, where a strong tech and healthcare labor market pulls wages up but also drives housing costs above the Texas average. A $43,000 salary stretches thin against Austin rents.
The net price tiers are where this school earns its keep for lower-income families. If your household makes under $30,000, you pay about $1,278 a year. Between $30k and $48k, roughly $2,317. Above $75k, the price jumps past $10,000 and the value proposition weakens, since you are paying near-full freight for a credential with an 18% completion rate.
This is a good financial fit if you are lower-income, live in the Austin area, and have a concrete plan to finish, ideally transferring to a four-year university or moving into a specific trade or healthcare role. Treat it as a cheap first two years, not a destination. If your family income is above $75,000, or if you are unsure you will complete, the low sticker price stops being a bargain and the completion odds should give you pause before enrolling.
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.