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 keeps your costs low, and that's the strongest part of its financial story. At about $4,154 a year in net price and roughly $6,566 in median debt at graduation, you leave with little to pay back. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit near $35,212, which is modest and reflects a low-wage El Paso labor market. So the return here depends almost entirely on what you study.
Health programs are where the money is. An associate in registered nursing pays close to $59,253, dental support services lands near $56,415, and allied health diagnostic and treatment programs clear $48,935. These are real careers tied to hospital and clinic demand along the border. Note that the nursing associate carries higher debt (about $9,092) than the school average, but the earnings more than justify it. The practical/vocational nursing certificate and the clinical lab associate pay less but still beat the school-wide median.
If you enroll outside these health tracks, the ceiling drops fast toward that $35,212 figure. The bigger risk is finishing at all: the 22% graduation rate means most students who start don't complete, and an unfinished credential gives you the debt without the earnings bump.
This school fits you if you're going into nursing, dental, or lab work and can commit to finishing. The near-zero debt makes it a low-risk way to enter a licensed health field. Look elsewhere if you want a general associate with no clear career track, because the payoff is thin.
On price by income: if your family earns under $48k, you pay under $3,900 a year, so cost is a minor factor. Above $75k, net price climbs past $9,400, and you should weigh whether the earnings outcome justifies paying more.
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.