At $7,681/yr net price, Howard College graduates earn $38,382/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,382/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,681 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,382/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,382/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| 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 | $6,683/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,400/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,713/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,341/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,936/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 | $63,997 | $12,062 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,648 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $8,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,452 | $7,700 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Howard 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
Howard College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,997 annually against just $12,062 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in West Texas's healthcare job market.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial picture here. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics also generate solid returns above $40,000 annually. However, with overall median earnings at $38,382 and a concerning 35% graduation rate, many students struggle to complete their programs or land well-paying jobs afterward.
The biggest financial risk is the low completion rate. You face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The $7,681 annual net price keeps costs manageable, but only if you actually graduate. With just 19% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Howard College works financially if you're committed to healthcare careers and can handle the academic demands. The nursing and allied health programs connect well with regional hospital systems and clinics that need trained workers. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts, business, or other non-healthcare majors where earning potential doesn't justify even the modest costs.
Apply early for the limited financial aid available and consider the dental hygiene program as an alternative to nursing if you want strong earnings with potentially easier admission requirements. The low debt levels across programs mean you won't graduate underwater, but you need to finish your program to see any return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howard College worth the money?
Howard College offers solid value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $64,000 annually against relatively low debt of $9,500. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall ROI.
What programs at Howard College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing and dental support programs provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $60,000-$64,000 per year. These healthcare fields justify the investment better than general programs at Howard College.
How much debt do Howard College graduates have?
Howard College graduates typically carry $9,500 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low net price of $7,681 per year helps keep borrowing minimal.
Do Howard College graduates make good money after graduation?
Overall graduate earnings average $38,382 after 10 years, which is modest. Healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, while other fields may struggle to provide strong financial returns.