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$2,160Tuition
3,133Students
33%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,975Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Kilgore College

The Rangerettes put Kilgore College on the map. This precision dance team has performed at Cotton Bowl games and gained national fame since 1940. The college enrolls 3,133 students in this East Texas town and serves as a launching pad for petroleum engineering students who transfer to four-year universities. Nearly 97% of students come from Texas.

Students pay an average of $6,629 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $37,975 ten years after starting college. Those who borrow money graduate with $14,967 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $159. The employment rate hits 91.3% for graduates. Low-income families pay just $5,092 net price, while even high earners pay only $13,356 total.

Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education. The college fields four varsity sports teams with 111 total athletes. Students can live on campus in housing that accommodates 542 residents. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year colleges, but professors know the East Texas community well.

Academics & Faculty

Kilgore College specializes in petroleum engineering and energy-related programs, reflecting its East Texas oil industry roots. The school maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. However, the 33% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs. The college excels at preparing students for four-year university transfers, particularly in engineering fields. Career and technical programs dominate the curriculum, with strong connections to local industry employers. Students benefit from hands-on training in facilities designed to mirror workplace environments. The 91% employment rate demonstrates the practical value of the school's vocational focus.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,975

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $55,422
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $48,849
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $48,432
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. Associate $37,208
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. Associate $36,848
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $26,121
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $14,627

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

Kilgore sits 120 miles east of Dallas in the heart of East Texas oil country. Only 17% of students live in the campus dorms, which house 542 students total. Most commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in this community of 15,000 people. You'll need both sunscreen and a light jacket here - East Texas gets humid summers over 90 degrees and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing.

The Rangerettes define campus culture more than any other tradition. This world-famous precision dance team has performed at Cotton Bowl halftimes since 1940 and draws visitors from across the country to their performances. Students often gather to watch Rangerettes practice or attend their spring show. With 97% of students from Texas, weekends revolve around local activities like Lake Kilgore recreation or trips to nearby Marshall and Longview. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Many students work part-time in the local oil industry while completing prerequisites for four-year petroleum engineering programs.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
542 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1935

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 0 0 2 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
36°–58°F
July Avg
73°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
45.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.7"

Student Demographics

Kilgore draws students from across East Texas, with 97% coming from in-state. The college serves a diverse community where nearly two-thirds are women, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education alongside the famous Rangerettes dance team. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families in the oil-rich region. Many students come seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or technical training in petroleum-related fields. The mix of traditional college-age students and working adults creates a practical, career-focused atmosphere rather than a typical campus social scene.
Men
37.4%
Women
62.6%
White
46.6%
Black
20.7%
Hispanic
23.4%
Asian
1.2%
In-State Students
97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.2%

Location

Kilgore sits in East Texas, about 120 miles east of Dallas and 42 miles west of Marshall. The town has a population of roughly 15,000 residents and sits in the heart of the East Texas oil region. This area shaped much of Texas's petroleum industry history during the 1930s oil boom. The campus serves 3,133 students in a classic small college town setting where the institution anchors the community. Nearly 97% of students come from within Texas borders. The surrounding Piney Woods region features rolling hills covered in pine and hardwood forests, quite different from the flat plains most people associate with Texas. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Kilgore College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kilgore, Texas 75662-3299
Kilgore College welcoming sign IMG
Kilgore College welcoming sign IMG
Kilgore College May 2016 06
Kilgore College May 2016 06
Kilgore College Student Center IMG
Kilgore College Student Center IMG

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,975
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,073
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,700
Loan Repayment Rate
32.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,967

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Kilgore College?

As a community college, Kilgore College maintains an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 3,133 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education opportunities in East Texas. Over 97% of students are Texas residents who benefit from the affordable tuition structure.

How much does Kilgore College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,629 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs just $2,160 per year, while the total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $11,912. About 37% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying only $5,092 net price.

What academic programs is Kilgore College known for?

Kilgore College offers strong petroleum engineering transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, providing reasonable access to instructors. The school operates on a semester system and maintains a focus on career-oriented education alongside traditional academic transfers.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Kilgore College?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Median earnings reach $37,975 ten years after graduation, while graduates carry a manageable median debt of $14,967. The loan repayment rate of 32.2% reflects the financial challenges some graduates face, with monthly payments averaging $159.

Where do students live at Kilgore College?

The campus houses 542 students in on-campus residence halls, with room and board costing $7,144 annually. Women make up 63% of the student body while men represent 37%. The student population is racially diverse, with 47% White students, 23% Hispanic students, and 21% Black students creating a multicultural campus environment.

What is Kilgore College famous for besides academics?

Kilgore College is world-well-known for its Rangerettes precision dance team, which has performed at major events and competitions since the 1940s. The Rangers compete in NJCAA athletics with four varsity sports and 111 total athletes. The athletic program awards $923,444 in scholarships, supporting student-athletes in this small East Texas community.