At $6,185/yr net price, McLennan Community College graduates earn $39,163/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,163/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,163/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,163/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,099/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,217/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,883/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,757/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 | $56,738 | $14,152 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,089 | $12,780 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,729 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $11,250 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $35,416 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 | $13,255 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $30,323 | $9,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
35.3% of students at McLennan 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
McLennan Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare programs but questionable value for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,738 annually against $14,152 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in Waco's healthcare job market.
Allied health programs offer decent returns, with diagnostic and intervention graduates earning around $40,000 while keeping debt below $13,000. Medical assisting provides more modest returns at $38,289 but requires lower debt loads. Fire protection graduates face tougher economics, earning $35,416 in a field with limited local opportunities outside major metropolitan areas.
The 35% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face real chances of accumulating debt without completing your program. This risk hits hardest if you pursue programs outside healthcare, where job prospects and starting salaries provide less cushion for incomplete education costs.
McLennan makes financial sense if you target nursing or allied health programs and can commit to completion. The $6,185 net price keeps costs manageable, and healthcare employers in the Waco region actively hire community college graduates. You should look elsewhere if you want programs outside healthcare or struggle with program completion, as the low graduation rate suggests academic support may be insufficient.
Financial aid reaches less than 40% of students, meaning most pay close to sticker price. Merit scholarships are limited, so your strategy should focus on completing programs quickly to minimize total costs rather than chasing aid that may not materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McLennan Community College worth the cost?
McLennan Community College offers decent value with low tuition at $6,185 per year and manageable debt of $10,500. However, the 35% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which hurts overall return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at McLennan Community College?
Nursing programs at McLennan lead earnings at $56,738 annually, making them the clear winners for ROI. Allied health programs also perform well, earning $38,000-$40,000, while fire protection graduates earn about $35,416.
How much debt do McLennan Community College graduates have?
McLennan graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low for college debt. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall financial picture even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Do McLennan Community College graduates make good money?
Average earnings of $39,163 ten years after attending McLennan are modest but reasonable for a community college. Your earning potential depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and healthcare fields significantly outperforming the average.