At $4,154/yr net price, El Paso Community College graduates earn $35,212/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,212/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,154 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,212/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,212/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,566 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,358/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,831/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,485/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,408/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,258/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 | $59,253 | $9,092 |
| 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 | $4,900 |
The Risk Factor
22.0% of students at El Paso Community 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
El Paso Community College offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The low annual cost of $4,154 makes it one of the most affordable educational options in Texas, but the 22% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish.
Nursing programs deliver the strongest ROI at EPCC. Registered nursing graduates earn $59,253 annually with manageable debt loads of $9,092, creating a payback period of less than two years. Dental support services and allied health programs also provide strong earning potential above $48,000 annually. These healthcare-focused programs align well with El Paso's growing medical sector and aging population demographics.
Your biggest financial risk at EPCC is not completing your program. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt and time costs without earning credentials. This risk is particularly acute for students who need extensive developmental coursework or lack strong study habits.
EPCC makes financial sense if you're targeting healthcare careers, need affordable entry into higher education, or want to complete general education requirements before transferring. The school works well for working adults since 36% of students receive financial aid, often covering most costs.
Avoid EPCC if you're uncertain about your career direction or lack the self-discipline needed for community college success. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle with the independent learning environment. Students seeking four-year degrees should have a clear transfer plan to avoid getting stuck with an associate degree that limits earning potential in El Paso's job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso Community College worth the money?
El Paso Community College offers strong value with low costs ($4,154 net price) and minimal debt ($6,566 median), but the 22% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing and healthcare programs provide solid returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $59,253 annually.
What are the best paying programs at El Paso Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $59,253 annually, followed by dental support services at $56,415. Most other allied health programs pay between $38,000-$49,000, which is reasonable given the low program costs.
How much debt do El Paso Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is just $6,566, which is manageable compared to most colleges. However, only 22% of students actually graduate, so many may leave with some debt but no credential.
Does El Paso Community College have a good graduation rate?
No, only 22% of students graduate from El Paso Community College. This low completion rate means many students invest time and money without earning their degree or certificate.