About Odessa College
Students pay an average net price of $9,296, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $42,026 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $7,750. The monthly loan payment of $82 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. With 90.7% of students finding employment after graduation, the investment typically pays off quickly in this job-focused environment.
The student body reflects the changing demographics of West Texas, with 69.28% Hispanic enrollment and nearly all students (95.70%) coming from in-state. Women make up 64.99% of enrollment, largely due to strong nursing and healthcare programs. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the hands-on nature of many programs ensures direct interaction with instructors who often have industry experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.9%
- Retention Rate
- 60.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,026
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,415 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $19,045 |
Campus Life
The 95.7% in-state enrollment reflects the school's role as a local stepping stone for area residents. Women outnumber men nearly two to one at 65%, and Hispanic students make up 69% of enrollment. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The Wranglers compete in nine NJCAA sports with 162 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics here. Weekends often mean work for many students, reflecting the region's blue-collar economy. The campus culture centers around practical career preparation, particularly in petroleum technology and nursing programs that serve the local oil industry.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 238 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–58°F
- July Avg
- 71°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 13.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.0%
- Women
- 65.0%
- White
- 20.2%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 69.3%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 95.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.5%
Location
- Address
- Odessa, Texas 79764
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,026
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,849
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $82/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Odessa College?
Odessa College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves primarily local students, with 95.70% of enrollment coming from Texas residents. This West Texas institution focuses on providing accessible education to the oil-rich Permian Basin region.
How much does Odessa College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,296 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $2,640 per year. Only 25.53% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure. The median student debt upon completion is $7,750, well below national averages for higher education.
What academic programs is Odessa College known for?
The college specializes in petroleum engineering technology and nursing programs that serve the local oil industry workforce needs. With a student-faculty ratio of 24:1 and 4,176 total students, classes tend to be larger but still manageable. The school operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career-oriented technical training.
What are the graduation rates at Odessa College?
The four-year graduation rate stands at 25.71%, while the six-year rate reaches 27.90%. These figures reflect the community college mission of serving working adults and part-time students who often take longer to complete degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,026 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment rates in the energy sector.
Does Odessa College offer on-campus housing?
The campus provides housing for 238 students at $6,800 annually for room and board. This represents a small portion of the 4,176 total enrollment, as most students commute from the local Odessa area. The student body is 64.99% female and 69.28% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of West Texas.
What sports teams does Odessa College field?
The Wranglers compete in nine NJCAA varsity sports with 162 total student-athletes. The athletic program awards $1,350,102 in scholarships annually, providing significant opportunities for local talent. The teams reflect the school's connection to ranching and oil country culture that defines this region of Texas.
