At $6,738/yr net price, Houston Community College graduates earn $39,254/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,254/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,738 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,254/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,254/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,921 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,937/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,606/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,980/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,633/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,372/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 | $63,005 | $12,455 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,107 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,231 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,214 | $17,487 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $46,321 | $9,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,321 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $45,082 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,000 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,369 |
The Risk Factor
17.0% of students at Houston 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
Houston Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak overall financial outcomes that reflect its extremely low graduation rate. Your biggest risk here is not finishing at all.
The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually against modest debt of $12,455, making it one of the best ROI programs you'll find at any community college. Other allied health programs also perform well, with dental support services and diagnostic professions generating solid mid-50k salaries. These healthcare tracks benefit from Houston's massive medical center employment opportunities.
The 17% graduation rate creates massive financial risk. Most students who start here never finish, meaning you could accumulate debt and time costs without earning a credential. This low completion rate drags down the overall median earnings to just $39,254, well below what successful program graduates actually earn.
You should consider Houston Community College if you can get into nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic discipline to actually complete your degree. The low net price of $6,738 makes it affordable to try, and Houston's job market rewards these specific credentials well.
Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or lack clear career focus. The data suggests most students here don't make it to graduation, making it a poor choice for exploratory education. Look elsewhere if you're considering programs outside healthcare, as the earnings data shows these represent the school's only reliable financial returns.
The relatively low percentage receiving aid means you'll likely pay close to sticker price, but the affordable tuition keeps total costs manageable even without significant financial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston Community College worth the cost?
Houston Community College offers strong value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning $63,000 annually against just $6,738 yearly costs. However, the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish, and the overall median earnings of $39,254 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Houston Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $63,000 average earnings, followed by dental support services at $52,941. These healthcare tracks justify the investment, while other programs may struggle to deliver strong returns given the low graduation rates.
How much debt do Houston Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $13,921, which is manageable for community college standards. Students in high-paying nursing and dental programs can typically handle this debt load, but those in lower-earning fields may struggle with payments.
Why is Houston Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 17% of students graduate, reflecting the challenges many community college students face with work and family obligations. This low completion rate means the ROI only applies to the small percentage who actually finish their programs.