At $9,296/yr net price, Odessa College graduates earn $42,026/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,026/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,296 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,026/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,026/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,124/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,356/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,320/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,256/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,867/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 | $11,500 |
| 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 | $3,500 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $19,045 |
The Risk Factor
27.9% of students at Odessa 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
Odessa College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year earnings of just $42,026 despite relatively affordable costs. The 28% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you only benefit from college-level earnings if you actually finish your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $56,415 in median earnings that justify the $11,500 debt load. Quality Control and Safety Technologies also shows strong returns at nearly $56,000. However, the majority of popular programs deliver disappointing outcomes. Business Administration graduates earn just $29,685, while Liberal Arts majors average only $25,194 despite completing a four-year program.
The school works financially if you can complete the nursing program or land in one of the technical specialties. For these students, the $9,296 annual net price represents solid value. However, with a 60% retention rate, many students drop out after accumulating costs but before gaining credentials that boost earnings.
You should look elsewhere if you plan to major in business, liberal arts, or criminal justice. These programs generate earnings barely above what you might achieve with just a high school diploma, making the time and money investment questionable. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited scholarship opportunities.
Odessa College makes sense for local students seeking nursing credentials or specific technical training who can minimize housing costs by living at home. For everyone else, the combination of low graduation rates and weak program outcomes creates substantial financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Odessa College worth the cost?
At $9,296 per year, Odessa College offers low-cost education with median debt of only $7,750. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $42,026 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year colleges.
What are the highest paying programs at Odessa College?
Nursing programs lead with $56,415 average earnings, followed by Quality Control and Safety Technologies at $55,964. Criminal Justice ($31,133) and Business Administration ($29,685) offer more moderate returns.
How much debt do Odessa College graduates have?
Odessa College graduates carry a median debt of $7,750, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition keeps borrowing minimal compared to most colleges.
Why is Odessa College's graduation rate so low?
Only 28% of students graduate from Odessa College, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't complete their programs. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a credential.