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$3,440Tuition
9,038Students
13%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,656Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College serves as the educational backbone for Corpus Christi's growing economy. The community college draws 9,038 students who come primarily for workforce training programs that connect directly to local industries along the Texas coast. Nearly all students stay close to home, with 95% coming from within Texas.

The financial picture makes sense for working students and career changers. Students typically pay around $4,250 after aid, with low-income families paying just $3,320. Graduates earn a median of $38,656 ten years out, while carrying minimal debt of $5,500. Monthly loan payments average only $58, making this an affordable path to career advancement. The 89.7% employment rate shows employers value Del Mar's practical training approach.

The student body reflects the broader Coastal Bend community, with 71% Hispanic enrollment creating a diverse learning environment. Women make up 58% of students, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and service programs. The 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the large enrollment. While four-year graduation rates sit at 15%, many students attend part-time while working, making traditional completion metrics less meaningful than the strong job placement numbers.

Academics & Faculty

Del Mar College serves as the primary community college for Texas's Coastal Bend region, focusing heavily on workforce development and career training. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid support for students navigating two-year programs and transfer pathways. However, the 14.59% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or take longer to complete degrees. The college has built a strong reputation for nursing, maritime technology, and trades programs that directly feed into Corpus Christi's port economy and healthcare systems. Students can earn certificates and associate degrees in fields like process technology, which connects to the area's large petrochemical industry.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
14.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
12.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,656

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,964
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $46,087
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $43,240
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $42,682
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $39,369
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $35,416
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $30,771
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $28,598
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $19,455
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $16,169

View all 95 programs →

Campus Life

Del Mar College sits in the heart of Corpus Christi, where the Texas Gulf Coast meets a active Hispanic community that makes up 71% of the student body. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this subtropical climate, not winter coats. The campus serves as a commuter center where 95% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit local feel among the 9,038 enrolled.

Weekend life revolves around the nearby coastline and downtown Corpus Christi rather than campus activities. Students often head to the beach or explore the city's growing arts district. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll get personal attention in smaller classes. The college focuses heavily on workforce training programs that connect directly to local industries like petrochemicals and maritime trades. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. The Vikings compete in limited athletics, but the real action happens off-campus in this coastal city known for its laid-back atmosphere and strong job market that helps 89.7% of graduates find employment.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1935

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 2
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
48°–67°F
July Avg
77°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
34.7"
Annual Snowfall
0.3"

Student Demographics

Del Mar College draws overwhelmingly from the local Coastal Bend community, with 95% of students coming from Texas. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 71%, reflecting the demographics of South Texas and Corpus Christi. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract many students pursuing healthcare and education careers. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Del Mar serves working-class families seeking affordable workforce training. The college functions as an economic gateway for first-generation Hispanic students entering technical fields and transferring to four-year universities.
Men
42.3%
Women
57.8%
White
18.7%
Black
1.9%
Hispanic
71.3%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
95.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.2%

Location

Del Mar College sits in Corpus Christi, Texas, a coastal city of 326,000 residents along the Gulf of Mexico. The campus is 200 miles southeast of San Antonio and 350 miles from Houston. Corpus Christi serves as the economic center of the Coastal Bend region, where oil refining and port activities drive the local economy. Students have access to nearby beaches, fishing, and water sports year-round. The city's warm climate averages 280 sunny days annually. With 95.16% of Del Mar's students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local high school graduates seeking affordable education near home. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Del Mar College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Corpus Christi, Texas 78404-3897
Del Mar College campus
Del Mar College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,656
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,476
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,600
Loan Repayment Rate
41.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Del Mar College?

Del Mar College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. The school serves over 9,000 students with 95% coming from Texas. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in the Coastal Bend region.

How much does Del Mar College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,250 annually at Del Mar College. In-state tuition runs just $3,440, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Texas. About 33% of students receive federal Pell Grants, helping keep costs manageable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Del Mar College?

Del Mar College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small class settings. The college focuses heavily on workforce training programs that prepare students for local industries. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to meet regional employment needs.

What are the graduation rates at Del Mar College?

Del Mar College has a 6-year graduation rate of 12.8% and a 4-year rate of 14.6%. These rates reflect the college's role as a community institution where many students transfer to four-year universities or complete certificates for immediate workforce entry. The college serves a diverse student body with 71% Hispanic enrollment.

Where is Del Mar College located?

Del Mar College sits in Corpus Christi, Texas, a large coastal city along the Gulf of Mexico. The location provides students access to maritime industries, healthcare systems, and petrochemical companies that drive the local economy. The Vikings compete in athletics while serving the broader Coastal Bend region.

How much do Del Mar College graduates earn?

Del Mar College graduates earn a median salary of $38,656 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment rates of 89.7%. The college's workforce training programs prepare students for local industries, resulting in relatively low student debt of just $5,500 median. Monthly loan payments average only $58 for those who borrow.