At $4,146/yr net price, Dallas College graduates earn $41,714/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,714/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,146 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,714/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,714/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.5% |
| 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 | $3,002/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,974/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,869/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,399/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 | $61,281 | $11,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,661 | $10,942 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $33,993 | $13,248 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $9,742 |
The Risk Factor
35.5% of students at Dallas 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
Dallas College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The $4,146 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable four-year options in Texas, yet the 35.5% graduation rate means most students never finish their degrees.
Nursing graduates earn $61,281 annually with manageable $11,250 debt loads, creating excellent ROI in Dallas's growing healthcare market. Allied health programs also perform well at $54,661 in median earnings. These healthcare pathways justify the investment given strong regional demand and the low cost of attendance.
Liberal arts graduates face concerning financial prospects, earning just $25,194 annually while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt. Legal support services graduates earn $33,993, which barely covers loan payments and living expenses in the Dallas metro area. You should avoid these programs unless you plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
The low graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. With only one in three students completing their programs, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The 89.5% retention rate shows students start strong but struggle to finish.
Dallas College works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare fields who can handle the completion challenges. The school makes financial sense if you need affordable nursing or allied health training while working. Students seeking broad liberal arts education or those uncertain about their career direction should consider universities with stronger support systems and higher completion rates, even at higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas College worth the money?
Dallas College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,146 per year and modest debt levels around $9,500. The nursing and allied health programs deliver solid returns with graduates earning $54,000-$61,000, though liberal arts graduates see lower earnings at $25,194.
What is the return on investment for Dallas College graduates?
Dallas College graduates earn a median of $41,714 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low cost. However, the 35.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which hurts overall ROI for those who don't finish.
Which Dallas College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Dallas College lead to the highest earnings at $61,281, followed by allied health fields at $54,661. Legal support services graduates earn $33,993, while liberal arts majors see significantly lower returns at $25,194.
How much debt do Dallas College students typically graduate with?
Dallas College students graduate with relatively low debt of $9,500 median, making it a low-risk option financially. The combination of low tuition costs and modest borrowing reduces the chance of overwhelming debt payments after graduation.