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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings and a real completion risk. You borrow a median of $7,750, one of the smaller debt loads you'll find, and net price stays under $10,500 across every income band. Against median earnings of $42,026 ten years out, that debt is easy to pay back. The math works because the cost is so low, not because the payoff is large.
The bigger problem is finishing. A 27.90% graduation rate means most people who start don't complete, and a 60.53% retention rate shows a chunk of you leave after the first year. If you drop out with even the low debt here, you get the loan payments without the credential, and that's where the ROI breaks down.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward specific majors that pay off here. Odessa sits in the Permian Basin, where oil and gas drive local hiring, so technical and applied credentials tied to that industry are worth looking into before you commit.
The net price tiers are unusual: you pay roughly the same whether your family earns under $30k or over $110k, around $9,000 either way. Lower-income families don't get the aid discount you'd see at many schools, so the sticker cost hits you similarly regardless of income. Middle-income families in the $48k-$75k range actually pay the most, about $10,320.
Odessa College fits you if you want a cheap, close-to-home start and you're confident you'll finish, ideally aiming at Permian Basin employers. If you need strong graduation support or high earning potential to justify the cost, look elsewhere.
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.