At $8,373/yr net price, Clarendon College graduates earn $38,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,696/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,373 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,696/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,237/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,740/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,440/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,681/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,356/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 | $61,020 | $17,588 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,351 | $7,000 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,239 | $9,514 |
The Risk Factor
60.6% of students at Clarendon College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Clarendon College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection will make or break your investment. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $60,000 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of around $17,500.
Your ROI depends heavily on avoiding the weaker programs. Liberal arts graduates earn just $23,351 after 10 years, making this one of the poorest-performing majors financially. Agricultural business falls into similar territory at $25,194, which may not justify even the relatively low cost of attendance in rural Texas.
The precision metalworking and practical nursing programs offer middle-ground options at around $34,000 in annual earnings. These trades-focused programs align well with the regional job market and provide solid returns without the debt burden of the RN program.
Financial aid opportunities are limited here, with only about 21% of students receiving aid. This suggests you'll likely pay close to the full net price of $8,373 annually. The low median debt of $11,000 reflects both the affordable tuition and the fact that many students can work while attending this community college.
Clarendon College works best financially if you're targeting healthcare careers, particularly nursing, or need affordable training in skilled trades. The 60% graduation rate suggests reasonable program completion, but you should avoid this school if you're considering liberal arts or agricultural business, where the earnings simply don't support the investment. Your location in rural Texas may limit job opportunities after graduation, making program choice even more critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarendon College worth the cost?
Clarendon College offers decent value for students pursuing nursing programs, which lead to median earnings of $61,020 within 10 years. However, liberal arts graduates earn just $23,351 annually, making the investment questionable for those programs.
What programs at Clarendon College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs at Clarendon College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $61,020 annually. Precision metal working also pays well at $33,993, while liberal arts and agricultural business programs result in much lower earnings.
How much debt do Clarendon College graduates typically have?
Clarendon College graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for nursing program graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Clarendon College?
Clarendon College has a 60.6% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students who enroll do not complete their programs. This completion rate affects the school's overall value proposition and should factor into enrollment decisions.