At $6,714/yr net price, North Central Texas College graduates earn $45,809/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,809/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,714 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,809/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,809/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,747/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,379/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,712/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,482/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,959/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 | $57,318 | $15,440 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,058 | $17,350 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,852 | $9,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,909 | $9,735 |
The Risk Factor
34.6% of students at North Central Texas 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
North Central Texas College delivers strong financial returns for career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. At $6,714 annually, the school costs less than most four-year alternatives, making it a solid choice if you pick the right program.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture here. Registered nursing graduates earn $57,318 annually with $15,440 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly. Allied health programs also perform well at $49,058 yearly earnings. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with North Texas's growing medical sector and aging population.
Liberal arts and general studies graduates face a different reality. At $28,909 in annual earnings with nearly $10,000 in debt, these programs offer poor financial returns. You would likely earn similar wages without the degree and debt burden.
The 34.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This matters more at community colleges where students frequently juggle work and family responsibilities.
Only 20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without assistance. Merit scholarships are limited, but the base cost remains accessible for most Texas residents.
You should consider North Central Texas College if you want healthcare training at a fraction of university costs. The nursing and allied health programs provide clear career paths with strong regional job markets. Skip this school if you're exploring general education or unsure about your major. The low graduation rates and weak liberal arts outcomes make it a poor choice for academic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central Texas College worth the money?
North Central Texas College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,714 per year and median debt of only $11,250. However, the 34.6% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $45,809 ten years after enrollment are modest.
What are the best paying programs at North Central Texas College?
Registered nursing programs lead with graduates earning $57,318, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $49,058. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $28,909, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do North Central Texas College graduates have?
The median debt load is $11,250, which is relatively low for college graduates. This manageable debt level helps offset the lower earnings compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at North Central Texas College?
Only 34.6% of students graduate, which means about two-thirds don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition despite affordable tuition.