At $4,546/yr net price, Northwest Vista College graduates earn $42,490/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,490/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,546 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,490/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,490/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,400 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,110/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,802/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,119/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,582/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,022/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 | $8,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $24,730 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,745 | $10,000 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $21,052 | $5,250 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $17,717 |
The Risk Factor
36.8% of students at Northwest Vista 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
Northwest Vista College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $42,490 annually while keeping debt low at just $9,400. Your total cost of attendance stays reasonable at $4,546 per year, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career advancement in the San Antonio area.
The computer networking program stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning $39,369 annually. This puts you within striking distance of the overall median earnings while requiring just two years of study. Criminal justice graduates earn $28,236, which works well if you plan to enter law enforcement or corrections in Texas where these fields maintain steady demand.
Avoid the liberal arts and psychology programs if maximizing earnings matters to you. Liberal arts graduates earn just $23,745 while carrying $10,000 in debt, creating a poor return on investment. Psychology majors fare slightly better at $24,730 but still face limited career prospects without additional education.
The 36.8% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting time and money. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, consider whether you can realistically finish your degree here.
Northwest Vista works best if you live in the San Antonio area, want to enter a technical field quickly, or plan to transfer to a four-year school. The low cost makes it an excellent starting point for students who need to work while studying. With only 21% of students receiving financial aid, most families can afford the tuition without borrowing heavily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Vista College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northwest Vista College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,546 per year and graduates earning $42,490 after 10 years. The low cost and modest debt levels make it a financially smart choice, though the 37% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Northwest Vista College?
Computer Systems Networking pays the highest at $39,369 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at $28,236. Liberal Arts graduates earn the least at $23,745, making program choice important for your return on investment.
How much debt do Northwest Vista College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $9,400, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low tuition costs help keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does Northwest Vista College have a good graduation rate?
Only 37% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, reducing the overall value proposition.