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$3,274Tuition
22,893Students
22%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,212Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About El Paso Community College

This community college serves the border region with practical programs designed for working students and transfer hopefuls. El Paso Community College enrolls 22,893 students across multiple campuses in Texas's sixth-largest city. The school emphasizes workforce development and career training alongside traditional transfer pathways to four-year universities. With 83% Hispanic enrollment, EPCC reflects the cultural identity of the El Paso community it serves.

Students pay an average net price of $4,154 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $3,274 annually. Graduates earn a median of $35,212 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of only $6,566. The employment rate hits 88%, suggesting strong job placement in the local market. Low-income students pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,358 net price.

The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but only 1.63% of students take federal loans. The Tejanos compete in four NJCAA sports with 65 total athletes. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 96% claiming in-state residency. This creates a tight-knit community college experience rooted in regional culture and career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

El Paso Community College serves as the primary gateway to higher education for the Hispanic community along the Texas-Mexico border, with 83% Hispanic enrollment reflecting its deep roots in the region. The college offers full workforce training programs that align with El Paso's economy, including strong nursing, automotive technology, and border trade programs. Students work with faculty at a 22:1 ratio, typical for community colleges but requiring self-advocacy for academic support. The 22% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing degrees part-time. Career-focused programs lead to solid employment outcomes, with 88% of graduates finding work and earning a median $35,212 within ten years.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
48.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
22.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,212

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,253
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $56,415
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $48,935
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $41,342
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $38,289
Fire Protection. Associate $37,568
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $28,019
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $27,494
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $27,150
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $26,933

View all 88 programs →

Campus Life

Students at El Paso Community College navigate a sprawling urban campus that serves 22,893 students across multiple locations throughout the city. The college sits directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, where desert sun dominates year-round and winter coats gather dust. With 83% Hispanic enrollment, campus conversations flow seamlessly between English and Spanish, reflecting the active binational culture of El Paso.

Most students commute from across the metro area, creating a parking scramble during peak hours. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but professors understand that many students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside coursework. Weekends often involve trips across the border to Juárez or exploring El Paso's growing downtown arts district. The Tejanos athletic teams compete in four NJCAA sports with just 65 total athletes, making games intimate affairs. With 88% employment rate among graduates, many students already work while attending classes, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere where networking happens over coffee between shifts rather than at traditional college parties.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1972

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 10
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 3
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
32°–57°F
July Avg
70°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
20.3"
Annual Snowfall
-770.8"

Student Demographics

El Paso Community College draws overwhelmingly from its local community, with 96% of students coming from Texas. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 83%, reflecting the border city's demographics and the college's role as an educational bridge for first-generation college students. Women make up 57% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs. With 36% of students receiving Pell Grants, EPCC serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families seeking career training and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.
Men
43.1%
Women
56.9%
White
4.7%
Black
1.6%
Hispanic
83.0%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
96.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.5%

Location

El Paso sits directly on the Mexican border in far west Texas, over 550 miles from Dallas and Houston. The city has a population of about 680,000, making it the sixth-largest city in Texas. Students experience a unique bicultural environment where 83% of the campus identifies as Hispanic. The Franklin Mountains rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating a striking backdrop for the city's sprawling urban landscape. El Paso's location in the Chihuahuan Desert means hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city serves as a major international trade center with Mexico, offering students exposure to cross-border commerce and culture. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare El Paso Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
El Paso, Texas 79925-6507
El Paso Community College Aerial View
El Paso Community College Aerial View
El Paso Community College campus
El Paso Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,212
Median Earnings (5 years)
$39,531
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,100
Loan Repayment Rate
37.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$70/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,566

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at El Paso Community College?

Community colleges typically have open enrollment policies, accepting all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. El Paso Community College serves over 22,000 students and focuses on accessibility for the local Hispanic community, which makes up 83% of the student body. The college prioritizes helping students transition to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

How much does El Paso Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,154 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Texas. In-state tuition runs $3,274 while out-of-state students pay $5,314. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with just $6,566 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at El Paso Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 22:1, which is typical for large community colleges. EPCC operates multiple campuses across El Paso to serve the sprawling border city. The college emphasizes practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for the local job market.

What are the job prospects after graduating from El Paso Community College?

Graduates achieve an 88% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to local employers. Median earnings reach $35,212 ten years after graduation, with many students entering fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and border trade. The college's location in a major international trade center creates unique career opportunities.

Where are El Paso Community College's campuses located?

EPCC operates five main campuses throughout El Paso, serving students across this large desert city. The college has served the community since 1972 and maintains strong ties to the local Hispanic culture. With 96% of students coming from Texas, EPCC functions as the primary pathway to higher education for El Paso residents.

Does El Paso Community College offer athletic programs?

The Tejanos and Tejanas compete in four varsity sports through the NJCAA with 65 total athletes. The college awards $384,400 in athletic scholarships annually. While athletics exist, EPCC's primary focus remains on academic programs and workforce development for the border region.