College of the Mainland: $1,773 Tuition

$1,773Tuition

3,342Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,639Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of the Mainland

This Texas community college serves 3,342 students in the heart of the petrochemical corridor along Galveston Bay. The Fighting Ducks have built a strong reputation for workforce development programs that directly feed into the region's energy and manufacturing industries. Students here typically pursue associate degrees or certificate programs designed to get them into the job market quickly. The campus sits in Texas City, where refineries and chemical plants create abundant opportunities for skilled workers.

Students pay an average net price of just $1,975 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable educational options in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $39,639 ten years after starting college. With typical student debt of only $5,960 and monthly loan payments around $63, the financial burden stays manageable. The investment pays off relatively quickly given the strong local job market and 91.9% employment rate among graduates.

Women make up 62.5% of the student body, while Hispanic students represent the largest demographic group at 40.4%. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for more personalized attention than typical at larger institutions. Only 27.6% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets.

Academics & Faculty

College of the Mainland operates as a community college serving the Texas Gulf Coast region. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for personalized guidance. However, the 27% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The school offers career-focused programs in petroleum technology, nursing, and maritime studies that align with the local petrochemical industry. Students can complete associate degrees or transfer to four-year universities. The 91.9% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement for graduates entering the workforce. Many students use COM as an affordable stepping stone, paying just $1,773 annually for in-state tuition.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,639

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$72,369
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$66,171
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,967
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$17,396

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

College of the Mainland serves 3,342 students in Texas City, about 30 miles southeast of Houston. The coastal location means humid summers where you'll need sunscreen and air conditioning, while winters stay mild enough that a light jacket handles most cold snaps. This community college draws entirely in-state students, with 62.5% women and a diverse student body that's 40% Hispanic, 35% White, and 17% Black.

Most students commute to campus since this is a two-year institution without traditional dormitories. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for smaller classes where professors know your name. Weekends often mean heading into Houston for entertainment, though many students work part-time jobs given the low net price of $1,975. The Fighting Ducks compete in athletics, providing some campus spirit. With 91.9% of graduates finding employment, students here focus on practical career preparation rather than typical college social life. The semester system keeps pace manageable while students balance work, family, and academics in this Gulf Coast community.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–63°F
July Avg: 76°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

This Texas Gulf Coast community college draws primarily Hispanic and white students from the local area, with women making up nearly two-thirds of enrollment. The Fighting Ducks serve a working-class population, as more than a quarter receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Students come exclusively from Texas, reflecting the school's role as an affordable stepping stone for regional residents. The female majority likely stems from strong nursing and allied health programs that attract women seeking career-focused training. Most students balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing degrees or workforce certifications.

Men: 37.5%
Women: 62.5%
White: 34.7%
Black: 16.9%
Hispanic: 40.4%
Asian: 2.2%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.6%

Location

College of the Mainland sits in Texas City, about 40 miles southeast of Houston along Galveston Bay. The area serves as a major petrochemical center, with refineries and industrial facilities shaping the local economy. Students here experience a coastal community atmosphere just minutes from Galveston Island's beaches. The campus draws entirely from in-state residents, with 100% of the 3,342 students coming from Texas. Texas City blends industrial heritage with Gulf Coast culture, offering both job opportunities in energy sectors and recreational access to the water. The setting provides a practical environment for students pursuing technical and transfer programs. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare College of the Mainland with similar schools in the region.

Address: Texas City, Texas 77591-2499

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,639
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,253
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $63/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,960

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College of the Mainland?

College of the Mainland operates as an open-admission community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. With 3,342 students enrolled, the school serves primarily Texas residents looking for affordable higher education. The Fighting Ducks welcome students regardless of test scores or high school GPA.

How much does College of the Mainland cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $1,975 annually, making this one of the most affordable colleges in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $1,773 per year, while graduates carry a median debt of only $5,960. The low monthly loan payment of $63 reflects the school's commitment to accessible education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of the Mainland?

The campus maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors in a community college setting. Women make up 62.51% of the student body, while the campus serves a diverse population that is 40.37% Hispanic. Classes follow a traditional semester calendar system.

What are the graduation outcomes at College of the Mainland?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 27.11%, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,639 ten years after enrollment. The 91.9% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for completers.

Where is College of the Mainland located?

The campus sits in Texas City, a small city along the Gulf Coast near Houston's industrial corridor. All students come from in-state, with 100% Texas residency reflecting the school's role as a local community college. The location provides access to petrochemical and maritime industry internships.

Does College of the Mainland offer significant financial aid?

Only 27.64% of students receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, indicating many can afford the low tuition without assistance. Institutional grants average $4,350 but reach just 8.26% of students. The minimal federal loan rate of 3.35% reflects the school's rock-bottom pricing structure.