At $9,099/yr net price, Cisco College graduates earn $39,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,099 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,396 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,820/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,228/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,402/yr |
The Risk Factor
30.6% of students at Cisco 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
Cisco College delivers modest financial returns with significant completion risks that overshadow its low cost advantage. The $39,092 median earnings after 10 years barely justify even this community college's affordable $9,099 annual net price when factored against the 30.6% graduation rate.
Your biggest financial risk here is not completing your program. With fewer than one in three students finishing their degrees, you face a high probability of accumulating debt without the credential needed to access better-paying jobs. The $9,500 median debt load remains manageable for completers, but becomes dead weight for the 70% who don't graduate.
Cisco College works financially if you use it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at a fraction of university costs. The college also makes sense for specific vocational programs that lead directly to employment in the local oil and agriculture economy around Cisco, Texas. Healthcare support roles and skilled trades programs typically offer the strongest return on investment at this level.
Avoid Cisco College if you need extensive academic support services or structured degree completion programs. The low graduation rate suggests insufficient student success infrastructure. Also skip this option if you're pursuing liberal arts or general studies without a clear transfer plan to a four-year institution.
Financial aid opportunities remain limited with only 24% of students receiving assistance. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and transferring credits to minimize total education costs while maximizing your eventual earning potential through a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cisco College worth the cost?
Cisco College offers a low net price at $9,099 per year, but graduates earn just $39,092 after 10 years with a concerning 30% graduation rate. The low debt load of $9,500 helps offset the modest earnings potential.
What is Cisco College's return on investment?
With graduates earning $39,092 ten years after enrollment and minimal debt, Cisco College provides a basic ROI for students who complete their programs. However, the 30% graduation rate means most students don't finish.
How much debt do Cisco College graduates have?
Cisco College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low borrowing reflects the school's affordable tuition but also the reality that many students don't complete degrees.
What are the job prospects after Cisco College?
Cisco College graduates earn around $39,000 annually ten years post-enrollment, placing them in the lower range of college graduate earnings. The school's low completion rate suggests students should carefully consider their program choice and commitment level.