At $6,408/yr net price, Central Texas College graduates earn $40,995/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,995/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,408 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,995/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,995/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,742/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,082/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,249/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,861/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,641/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 | $67,101 | $9,457 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $38,829 | $7,126 |
The Risk Factor
14.6% of students at Central Texas 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
Central Texas College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $67,101 annually, making the $9,457 in debt manageable with a payback period under two years. This return rivals many four-year nursing programs while costing significantly less upfront.
The liberal arts track tells a different story. Graduates earn $38,829 with $7,126 in debt, creating a tighter financial picture that may not justify borrowing for many students. The 14.6% graduation rate raises serious concerns about your chances of completing any program here, regardless of potential earnings.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. With fewer than 15% of students finishing their programs, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without credentials. This makes Central Texas College primarily suitable for highly motivated students with clear career goals, particularly those targeting healthcare fields.
The $6,408 annual net price keeps costs reasonable for students who do complete programs. Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant aid. This could work in your favor if you need aid, as competition may be lighter.
Central Texas College makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or another high-earning technical field and have strong study habits. The location near Fort Hood provides healthcare job opportunities that support nursing graduates' earning potential. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts or lack confidence in your ability to complete coursework independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Texas College worth the cost?
Central Texas College offers a low net price of $6,408 per year with minimal debt at graduation ($6,750), making it financially accessible. However, the extremely low graduation rate of 14.6% means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces the value proposition.
What programs at Central Texas College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Central Texas College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $67,101 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn much less at $38,829, making these programs weaker investments despite the low cost.
How much debt do Central Texas College graduates typically have?
Central Texas College graduates have relatively low debt levels with a median of $6,750. The low debt combined with affordable tuition makes this school financially accessible, though completion rates remain a major concern.
Do Central Texas College graduates earn good salaries?
Central Texas College graduates earn $40,995 ten years after starting college, which is below average for college graduates. While nursing graduates do well at $67,101, the overall earnings reflect the school's focus on shorter-term programs and certificates rather than four-year degrees.