At $3,886/yr net price, Coastal Bend College graduates earn $35,086/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,086/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,886 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,086/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,086/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 11.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,627/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,366/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,762/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,158/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,469/yr |
The Risk Factor
11.0% of students at Coastal Bend 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
Coastal Bend College delivers one of the strongest financial returns among Texas community colleges, with a net price under $4,000 annually and graduates earning a median $35,086 ten years later. Your investment pays off quickly in a region where many four-year alternatives cost significantly more without guaranteeing better employment outcomes.
The college's vocational programs align well with South Texas industry demands, particularly in healthcare support, skilled trades, and energy sector positions. If you're pursuing practical certifications or associate degrees that lead directly to employment, this school positions you effectively for the local job market around Corpus Christi and the Eagle Ford Shale region.
The major financial risk centers on completion. With only 11% of students graduating, you face significant odds of leaving without credentials while still carrying debt. This low completion rate reflects the challenges many working adults face balancing school with employment, but it means you need a solid plan for finishing your program.
Coastal Bend College works best financially if you're a local resident seeking specific job training or using it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school. The low cost makes it viable even for part-time study. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional college experience, as the infrastructure reflects the modest tuition.
With fewer than 30% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the already-low sticker price. This suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities but also means you're unlikely to face surprise costs or complex aid packages that could complicate your planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Bend College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,886 per year and 10-year earnings of $35,086, Coastal Bend College offers affordable tuition but produces below-average earnings. The extremely low 11% graduation rate is a major red flag that most students don't complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Coastal Bend College?
Only 11% of students graduate from Coastal Bend College. This means nearly 9 out of 10 students leave without completing their degree, which significantly impacts the school's value proposition.
How much do Coastal Bend College graduates earn after graduation?
Coastal Bend College graduates earn an average of $35,086 ten years after enrollment. This is below the national average for college graduates and only modestly higher than typical high school graduate earnings.
What programs at Coastal Bend College have the best return on investment?
Given the low overall graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes, prospective students should carefully research specific program completion rates and job placement data before enrolling. The college's community college model works best for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions.