At $1,975/yr net price, College of the Mainland graduates earn $39,639/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,639/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,975 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $7,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,639/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,639/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,960 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,975/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 | $72,369 | $5,855 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $66,171 | $11,529 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,967 | $5,952 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,396 |
The Risk Factor
28.3% of students at College of the Mainland 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
College of the Mainland delivers strong value with a $1,975 annual net price, making it one of the most affordable four-year options in Texas. The low cost keeps median debt at just $5,960, eliminating the crushing loan burdens that plague graduates elsewhere.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Nursing graduates earn $72,369 annually with minimal debt, creating outstanding returns that justify the investment within two years. Physical Science Technologies also pays well at $66,171, though the higher debt load of $11,529 requires more careful planning.
Liberal Arts graduates face harsh financial reality with median earnings of just $25,967, barely above poverty wages despite the low debt. Cosmetology programs produce even worse outcomes at $17,396 annually. These programs offer poor financial prospects regardless of the affordable tuition.
The 28% graduation rate presents serious risk. You face nearly three-in-four odds of leaving without a degree, potentially with debt and no credential to show for it. This completion rate demands honest self-assessment of your academic preparation and commitment level.
College of the Mainland works financially if you can complete a high-earning program like nursing or stay laser-focused on career-oriented technical fields. The school makes sense for students who need rock-bottom costs and can handle the academic demands of professional programs. Skip this option if you plan to study liberal arts or need extensive support services to graduate. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings in general studies creates genuine financial risk despite the appealing sticker price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Mainland worth the money?
College of the Mainland offers strong value with a low net price of $1,975 per year and minimal debt load of $5,960. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which limits the return on investment for those who don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at College of the Mainland?
Nursing programs at College of the Mainland lead to median earnings of $72,369, making them the clear winners for ROI. Physical science technology programs also perform well at $66,171, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $25,967.
How much debt do College of the Mainland graduates have?
College of the Mainland graduates leave with relatively low debt of $5,960, well below national averages. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal for students who complete their programs.
Should I attend College of the Mainland for a liberal arts degree?
Liberal arts graduates from College of the Mainland earn a median of $25,967 after 10 years, which is low compared to other programs at the school. Students interested in liberal arts should consider the limited earning potential versus the nursing and technical programs that pay significantly more.