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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other end. You borrow a median of about $10,000, which is one of the cheaper debt loads you'll find. The problem is the payoff: median earnings ten years out sit near $37,000, so this is a school where the return comes from spending little, not from earning a lot.
The graduation rate is the biggest risk here. Fewer than a third of students finish, which means the most likely outcome is that you leave with some debt and no credential. That flips the math. Low debt only protects you if you actually graduate. if you drop out, even $10,000 stings without a degree to show for it.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so treat any specific major-by-major payoff claim with caution. What you can lean on is that Galveston College sits in a coastal Texas economy built around the port, refining, healthcare, and tourism. Career and technical training aimed at those local employers is where a two-year credential from here tends to make financial sense.
The net price tiers are close together, so income doesn't change your cost dramatically. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $7,200 to $7,500 a year, roughly half what a family over $110,000 pays. That lower-income price is the strongest case for this school.
Galveston College fits you if you're staying local, want to keep costs down, and have a clear plan to finish a specific program tied to the regional job market. Look elsewhere if you're expecting a degree that pushes earnings well above $37,000, or if you're unsure you'll complete the program.
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.