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$3,030Tuition
5,020Students
17%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,958Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Midland College

Midland College serves the heart of Texas oil country with programs built for the Permian Basin economy. This community college enrolls 5,020 students in a midsize city where petroleum technology and nursing programs prepare graduates for regional industries. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personal attention in career-focused programs that connect directly to local job markets.

Students pay an average net price of $5,720 after aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training. Graduates earn a median of $43,958 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $10,670 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $113 is manageable compared to earnings potential. Only 2.54% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's low-cost approach to education.

The student body is 60% Hispanic and 95% in-state, creating a tight-knit community rooted in West Texas culture. Just 200 students live on campus, as most commute from the surrounding area. The 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students here are working adults balancing education with jobs in the oil fields. Six varsity sports compete in the NJCAA, with the Chaparrals offering athletic scholarships worth nearly $938,000 total.

Academics & Faculty

Midland College serves the Permian Basin with career-focused programs that match the region's economic needs. The school built its reputation on petroleum technology training, preparing students for the oil industry that dominates West Texas. Nursing programs also draw students seeking healthcare careers. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention from instructors. However, the 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. Most students earn around $44,000 ten years after starting, which aligns with regional wages. The college emphasizes practical skills over academic theory, making it ideal for students wanting direct pathways to employment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
48.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
20.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
17.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,958

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,415
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $52,107
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $50,856
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $33,993

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

Midland College sits in the heart of Texas oil country, about 300 miles west of Dallas. With housing for just 200 students and total enrollment of 5,020, only 4% of students live on campus. The vast majority commute from around the Permian Basin region, where 95% of students call Texas home. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats in this desert climate, where summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes, but don't expect a traditional college social scene. Most students work in the oil industry or healthcare while attending classes. Women make up 60% of enrollment, and nearly 60% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics. Weekends often involve work shifts at drilling sites or hospitals rather than campus parties. The Chaparrals compete in 6 NJCAA sports with 105 total athletes, though athletic scholarships total nearly $938,000. With 91% of graduates finding employment, students here are laser-focused on career preparation rather than campus life.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
200 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1972

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–60°F
July Avg
69°–95°F
Annual Precipitation
13.6"
Annual Snowfall
1.9"

Student Demographics

Midland College draws heavily from West Texas, with 95% of students coming from in-state. The student body is nearly 60% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the Permian Basin region the college serves. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, likely driven by popular nursing and education programs. The college attracts working-class students from oil and gas families seeking practical career training. Most students are first-generation college attendees looking for affordable pathways into petroleum technology, healthcare, or transfer programs. The school functions as an educational anchor for the local community rather than drawing students from across the country.
Men
40.3%
Women
59.7%
White
26.2%
Black
5.6%
Hispanic
59.8%
Asian
1.8%
In-State Students
95.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.2%

Location

Midland sits in the heart of West Texas oil country, about 300 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles from Odessa. The city of 146,000 anchors the Permian Basin, where oil derricks dot the flat, arid landscape. This isn't a traditional college town but rather an energy center where petroleum drives the economy. With 95.09% of students from Texas, most come from surrounding counties where families work in oil and gas. The desert climate brings hot summers and mild winters to this working-class region. Beyond oil, ranching and cotton farming shape the local culture. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Midland College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Midland, Texas 79705
Scharbauer Student Center Midland College
Scharbauer Student Center Midland College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,958
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,814
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,000
Loan Repayment Rate
53.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$113/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,670

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Midland College?

Midland College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified students are generally admitted without selective admissions. The college serves 5,020 students primarily from the local Permian Basin oil region. About 95% of students come from within Texas, reflecting its role as a regional community college.

How much does Midland College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Midland College is $5,720 per year, making it highly affordable for most students. In-state tuition costs just $3,030 annually, while the total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $10,955. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $4,315.

What academic programs is Midland College known for?

Midland College specializes in petroleum technology and nursing programs that serve the local oil industry. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in technical fields. Students can choose from programs designed to support the Permian Basin's energy sector workforce needs.

What are the graduation rates at Midland College?

Midland College has a 20% four-year graduation rate and 17% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the community college model where many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,958 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 91%, showing strong job market outcomes for completers.

What is campus life like at Midland College?

The campus houses only 200 students in on-campus housing, creating an intimate residential experience. Midland College fields six varsity sports teams called the Chaparrals competing in NJCAA athletics. The student body is 60% female and reflects the region's diversity with 60% Hispanic and 26% white students.

How does Midland College serve the oil industry?

Midland College strategically positions itself in the heart of the Permian Basin, America's most productive oil region. The college was founded in 1972 to meet the technical education needs of the energy sector. Students graduate with relatively low debt loads averaging $10,670, preparing them for high-demand jobs in petroleum technology and related fields.