At $6,629/yr net price, Kilgore College graduates earn $37,975/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,975/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,629 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,516 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,975/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,975/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,967 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,092/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,282/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,386/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,356/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 | $55,422 | $18,951 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $37,208 | $14,417 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $14,174 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,121 | $12,125 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $14,627 | $8,250 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Kilgore 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
Kilgore College delivers solid financial returns for nursing and technical programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major and actually finishing your degree.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $55,422 annually despite carrying nearly $19,000 in debt. Industrial production and allied health programs also generate strong returns with salaries approaching $49,000. These technical fields align well with East Texas's oil, manufacturing, and healthcare job market.
The school's 33% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs. This low completion rate particularly hurts students in lower-earning programs who can least afford to leave without a degree.
Kilgore College works best if you're pursuing nursing, industrial technology, or allied health and can commit to finishing your program. The $6,629 annual cost keeps debt manageable compared to four-year schools. Skip this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the top-earning technical fields.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, suggesting many pay full price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, especially since the strongest job prospects come from the more intensive technical and nursing programs that require full-time commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kilgore College worth the cost?
Kilgore College offers solid value for career-focused programs, with a low net price of $6,629 per year and manageable debt averaging $14,967. However, the 33% graduation rate is concerning, and earnings vary dramatically by program.
Which Kilgore College programs have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Kilgore College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $55,422 annually. Industrial production and allied health programs also pay well at $48,000+ per year, while other programs may not justify the cost.
What is the job market like for Kilgore College graduates?
Kilgore College graduates earn a median of $37,975 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low tuition costs. Success depends heavily on completing a high-demand program like nursing or industrial technology.
How much debt do Kilgore College students typically graduate with?
Kilgore College graduates carry a median debt of $14,967, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall value proposition, especially for students who complete their programs.