At $5,720/yr net price, Midland College graduates earn $43,958/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,958/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,720 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,958/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,958/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,670 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,315/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,263/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,193/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,208/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 | $56,415 | |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
17.1% of students at Midland 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
Midland College offers an unusually strong return on investment for a community college, with low costs and surprisingly high earnings in several technical programs. Your net price of $5,720 annually combined with median debt of just $10,670 creates minimal financial risk even if your career plans change.
The nursing program delivers strong value at $56,415 in median earnings, making it one of the best financial bets in Texas higher education. Allied health diagnostics and vehicle maintenance also generate solid returns above $50,000 annually. These programs align well with Midland's oil-industry economy, where technical skills command premium wages.
Liberal arts graduates face much tougher prospects at $33,993 in median earnings, barely covering typical living expenses in this region. The 17% graduation rate signals significant academic challenges that could extend your time to completion and increase costs.
You should consider Midland if you want nursing or technical training without crushing debt. The school works best for career-focused students who can handle the demanding pace needed to actually graduate. Skip it if you need extensive academic support or want broad liberal arts education, as the low completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish their programs.
Financial aid reaches only 19% of students, so most families pay the full net price. This actually works in your favor since the sticker price stays reasonable. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize the strong earnings potential in nursing and technical fields while minimizing opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midland College worth the cost?
Midland College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,720 per year and graduates earning $43,958 annually after 10 years. However, the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Midland College?
Nursing programs at Midland College lead to the highest earnings at $56,415 annually, followed by allied health professions at $52,107. Vehicle repair programs also pay well at $50,856, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $33,993.
How much debt do Midland College graduates have?
Midland College graduates leave with a median debt of $10,670, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for most programs, especially in nursing and technical fields.
What is the graduation rate at Midland College?
Only 17% of students graduate from Midland College, which is a major concern for prospective students. This low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs despite the affordable tuition.