Panola College: $2,280 Tuition

$2,280Tuition

1,378Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,072Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Panola College

Panola College builds careers through hands-on technical training and competitive athletics in the piney woods of East Texas. The college enrolls 1,378 students in a town-distant setting that feels more connected to rural Texas than big-city bustle. Students come here for programs that lead directly to jobs, whether that's welding, nursing, or business technology. The Ponies compete in six NJCAA sports with 103 total athletes, creating a tight-knit campus atmosphere where everyone knows the starting lineup.

Money talks, and Panola delivers good value for working families. Students pay an average net price of $7,429 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,434. Graduates earn a median of $36,072 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $10,500. That puts monthly loan payments at a manageable $111, making this one of the more affordable paths to steady employment in Texas.

The student body skews heavily female at 72.42%, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and education programs. Nearly 90% of students come from Texas, creating a homegrown feel where professors know students by name thanks to the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Only 31.98% receive Pell Grants, suggesting families see this as an investment rather than a last resort.

Academics & Faculty

Panola College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment in East Texas industries. The college offers strong technical training in fields like welding, automotive technology, and health sciences that align with regional job demands. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from instructors who often bring real-world experience to the classroom. The 40.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. Panola's nursing program has built a solid reputation for preparing graduates for local hospitals and clinics. The college also provides solid transfer pathways for students planning to continue their education at four-year universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,072

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$52,550
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Associate	$37,568
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$20,140

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Panola College sits in the heart of East Texas timber country, about two hours southeast of Dallas. With only 249 beds for 1,378 students, just 18% live on campus in this commuter-heavy environment. The small-town setting means most weekends revolve around Ponies athletics, local lakes, or trips to nearby Marshall and Tyler for shopping and entertainment.

Women make up 72% of the student body, creating a female-dominated campus culture. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures you'll know your professors personally, especially in the school's signature technical programs that feed into East Texas industries. Pack light jackets for mild winters and plenty of sunscreen for hot, humid summers that stretch well into September.

Nearly 90% of students come from Texas, giving the campus a strong regional identity. With 103 athletes across six sports earning $895,834 in scholarships, game days draw solid crowds from the surrounding community. The NJCAA competition level means serious athletics without the pressure of Division I programs. Most social life happens off-campus, where Carthage's small-town charm includes local diners and outdoor activities around Caddo Lake.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 249 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1947

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–57°F
July Avg: 72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.4"
Annual Snowfall: 1.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly 90% of Panola College students come from Texas, reflecting the school's role as a community anchor in East Texas. Women make up 72% of enrollment, drawn largely to the college's healthcare and education programs that dominate rural job markets. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Panola serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The student body splits fairly evenly among white, Black, and Hispanic students, mirroring the diverse demographics of East Texas towns. Most students are looking for practical skills training rather than traditional four-year transfer pathways.

Men: 27.6%
Women: 72.4%
White: 54.4%
Black: 19.5%
Hispanic: 20.0%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 89.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.0%

Location

Carthage sits in East Texas, about 150 miles southeast of Dallas. The town of 6,500 residents provides a classic small-town college atmosphere in the Piney Woods region. Nearly 90% of Panola's 1,378 students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local connections. The area blends Texas charm with timber country character, surrounded by forests and lakes that define this corner of East Texas. Students enjoy affordable living with on-campus housing for 249 residents at $6,860 annually. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation while maintaining reasonable access to larger cities. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Panola College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carthage, Texas 75633-2397

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,072
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,009
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Panola College?

Panola College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 1,378 students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention in the college's career-focused technical programs. The college has built a reputation for hands-on training that prepares students for immediate workforce entry.

How much does Panola College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Panola College is $7,429 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,434 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at only $2,280. Nearly 32% of students receive Pell Grants, making this East Texas community college highly affordable.

What are the graduation outcomes at Panola College?

Panola College has a 40.80% six-year graduation rate for its two-year programs. Graduates earn a median salary of $36,072 ten years after enrollment with typical monthly loan payments of just $111. The college's strong focus on technical training helps students transition quickly into stable careers.

Where is Panola College located and what is campus life like?

Panola College sits in the small town of Carthage, Texas, with on-campus housing for 249 students. Nearly 90% of students come from within Texas, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The rural East Texas setting provides a focused environment away from big-city distractions.

Does Panola College have strong athletic programs?

Panola College fields six varsity sports teams competing in the NJCAA with 103 total athletes. The Ponies athletics program awards $895,834 in athletic scholarships annually. The college has earned recognition throughout East Texas for its competitive sports programs alongside its academic offerings.

What is the student demographics breakdown at Panola College?

Women make up 72.42% of Panola College's student body, outnumbering the 27.58% male enrollment. The student population is 54.35% White, 19.45% Black, and 19.96% Hispanic. This diverse community college has served East Texas since its founding in 1947.