At $10,803/yr net price, Frank Phillips College graduates earn $37,179/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,179/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,803 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,179/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,179/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| 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 | $10,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,600/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,728/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,322/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,768/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,141 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,134 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Frank Phillips 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
Frank Phillips College delivers a mixed financial picture with some bright spots in specific career programs. Your median earnings of $37,179 ten years after enrollment provide a reasonable return on the $10,803 annual net price, but the 33.5% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your program.
Precision Metal Working and Practical Nursing programs offer the strongest returns at around $36,000 annually, putting you near the school's overall median earnings. These programs align well with regional demand in the Texas Panhandle's energy and healthcare sectors. However, most other programs at Frank Phillips likely produce lower earnings given these represent the top-performing majors.
Your biggest financial risk is the low completion rate. With only one in three students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The relatively low median debt of $9,500 helps limit damage if you don't finish, but incomplete programs still waste time and money.
Frank Phillips works best financially if you're targeting nursing or skilled trades and can commit fully to completion. The school also makes sense if you're using it as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year university. With only 24% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited, so focus on keeping costs low through in-state residency and efficient completion.
Skip Frank Phillips if you're uncertain about your major or lack strong motivation to finish. The combination of low graduation rates and limited high-paying program options makes this a poor choice for exploratory students or those seeking broad career flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frank Phillips College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Frank Phillips College costs about $10,800 per year with graduates earning $37,200 annually after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 34% means many students never finish, making the investment risky for those who don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Frank Phillips College?
Precision Metal Working and Practical Nursing both lead to earnings around $36,100 annually. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at Frank Phillips College.
How much debt do Frank Phillips College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with graduate earnings of $37,200, it still takes several years to pay off even this smaller debt load.
Does Frank Phillips College have good job placement after graduation?
The 34% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, which hurts job prospects. Those who do graduate from technical programs like nursing or metalworking have better employment options in the local market.