About Galveston College
Students pay an average net price of $8,127 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,495. That investment leads to median earnings of $37,233 ten years after graduation. Graduates typically leave with $10,311 in debt and monthly loan payments of $109. The employment rate hits 93.7%, showing that employers value the practical training students receive here.
The 32% graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often work while attending school. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. The Whitecaps field just two varsity sports with 54 total athletes, but campus life centers more on career preparation than athletics. Housing capacity serves only 130 students, as most commute from nearby communities along the Texas coast.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 54.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,233
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $64,706 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $44,971 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,682 |
Campus Life
The 97% in-state student body creates a tight-knit local feel rather than a big college atmosphere. Students often head to Galveston's historic Strand District on weekends or hit the nearby beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, typical of community college settings. Houston lies about an hour north when you need big-city entertainment or internship opportunities.
Campus life revolves around practical programs rather than traditional college traditions. The Whitecaps compete in just 2 NJCAA sports with 54 total athletes. With 69% female enrollment, the student body skews heavily toward women. The semester system keeps things moving at a steady pace, while the diverse student population reflects Galveston County demographics with 43% Hispanic and 30% White students.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 130 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–61°F
- July Avg
- 77°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 30.9%
- Women
- 69.1%
- White
- 29.9%
- Black
- 18.6%
- Hispanic
- 43.3%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 97.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.8%
Location
- Address
- Galveston, Texas 77550-7496
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,233
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,390
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 28.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $109/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,311
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Galveston College?
Galveston College maintains an open enrollment policy as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,524 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Gulf Coast community. Nearly 97% of students come from Texas, reflecting the school's role as a local educational resource.
How much does Galveston College cost after financial aid?
Students at Galveston College pay an average net price of $8,127 annually, making it one of the most affordable options in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $2,546, while 42% of students receive federal Pell Grants for low-income families. The typical graduate leaves with only $10,311 in debt, well below national averages.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Galveston College?
Galveston College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. The college specializes in workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in the maritime, healthcare, and energy industries.
What are typical career earnings for Galveston College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $37,233 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects in the region's thriving port and petrochemical industries. The college boasts a 93.7% employment rate for graduates. Many students complete certificate programs in high-demand fields like process technology and maritime transportation.
Where do students live at Galveston College?
Galveston College offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 130 students at $8,512 per year for room and board. Most students commute from the local Galveston area or nearby mainland communities. The historic island setting provides a unique college experience with beaches and maritime culture just outside the classroom.
Does Galveston College have sports teams?
The Whitecaps compete in just 2 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 54 total athletes participating. The college awards $355,117 in athletic scholarships annually. While athletics remain a small part of campus life, the maritime location offers unique recreational opportunities like sailing and fishing that many students enjoy.
