At $14,579/yr net price, Navarro College graduates earn $38,716/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,716/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,579 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,716/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,716/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,879/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,505/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,368/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,364/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,747/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 | $59,011 | $14,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $53,671 | $15,311 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $49,058 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,648 | $5,500 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $36,131 | |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,585 | $10,589 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,329 | $12,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,530 | $10,500 |
The Risk Factor
24.0% of students at Navarro 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
Navarro College delivers solid financial returns for health science students but disappointing outcomes for most other majors. The school's nursing program stands out with graduates earning $59,011 annually against just $14,250 in debt, creating excellent ROI potential in a region with strong healthcare demand.
You'll find the best financial prospects in healthcare-related fields. Allied health programs produce graduates earning between $39,648 and $57,318, while fire protection offers strong earnings at $49,058 with minimal debt of $5,500. These programs align well with East Texas employment opportunities in medical facilities and emergency services.
The concerning reality is Navarro's 24% graduation rate, meaning three out of four students never finish their programs. This creates significant financial risk since you only benefit from the ROI if you actually graduate. The low completion rate suggests academic support challenges that could derail your investment.
Your debt burden stays manageable with a median of $11,000, but the overall median earnings of $38,716 indicate many graduates end up in lower-paying positions. This makes program selection critical at Navarro.
This school works financially if you can get into nursing or allied health programs and have the academic foundation to complete them. The combination of regional healthcare job demand and reasonable tuition creates genuine opportunity for motivated students in these fields. However, you should look elsewhere if you're considering other majors or have concerns about your ability to persist through a program with high dropout rates. Community colleges with stronger support systems might better serve students who need additional academic help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Navarro College worth the money?
Navarro College offers decent value if you complete a nursing or allied health program, where graduates earn $53,000-$59,000 annually. However, the 24% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What programs at Navarro College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $59,000, followed by allied health fields at $53,000-$57,000. Fire protection graduates earn about $49,000, which is significantly higher than the overall average of $38,716.
How much debt do Navarro College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $11,000, which is relatively low for college graduates. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower-than-average earnings for many programs.
Does Navarro College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $14,579 per year, Navarro College is affordable compared to four-year schools. The low cost makes it accessible, but students should focus on high-paying programs to maximize their return.