At $8,127/yr net price, Galveston College graduates earn $37,233/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,233/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,127 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,233/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,233/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,311 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,495/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,228/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,470/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,019/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,543/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $64,706 | $4,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,493 | $14,541 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,964 | $7,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $44,971 | $9,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
32.4% of students at Galveston 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
Galveston College offers solid financial returns if you pick the right program, but the overall picture shows significant risk due to low graduation rates and program quality variations.
Your best bets are healthcare programs, which dominate the earnings rankings. Allied health diagnostic fields and registered nursing both deliver median salaries above $60,000 with manageable debt loads. The nursing program requires higher borrowing at $14,541, but the $64,493 median salary justifies this investment. Practical nursing offers a middle ground with $44,971 earnings and $9,500 debt.
Criminal justice graduates earn $42,682, which provides decent returns given the low overall cost structure. However, avoid programs not listed in the top earnings data, as they likely produce the concerning $37,233 overall median that barely exceeds the $32,000 you would typically earn with just a high school diploma.
The 32% graduation rate creates substantial risk regardless of your program choice. Two-thirds of students who enroll never finish, making this school appropriate only if you have strong academic preparation and clear career focus. Healthcare students may find better completion support given the program strength, but verify this directly with the school.
At $8,127 annual net price, Galveston College costs less than most alternatives, but you must graduate to capture any return. The low debt median of $10,311 reflects both affordable pricing and the reality that many students leave without degrees or debt.
You should consider Galveston College if you live locally, plan to enter healthcare, and have demonstrated academic success. Students seeking four-year degrees or those unsure about their major should explore universities with higher graduation rates, even at higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galveston College worth the cost?
Galveston College offers decent value with low tuition at $8,127 per year and modest debt levels around $10,311. However, the 32% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $37,233 after 10 years are below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at Galveston College?
Healthcare programs provide the strongest returns at Galveston College, with allied health and registered nursing graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Practical nursing and criminal justice programs offer lower but still reasonable salaries in the $40,000s.
How much debt will I have after Galveston College?
Galveston College graduates typically leave with $10,311 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $8,127 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is Galveston College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 32% of students graduate from Galveston College, meaning most who enroll don't finish their programs. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without getting a degree that leads to higher earnings.