At $7,429/yr net price, Panola College graduates earn $36,072/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,072/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,429 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,072/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,072/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,434/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,066/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,880/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,527/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,414/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. | Certificate | $52,550 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
40.8% of students at Panola College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Panola College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. Your best bet financially is nursing, where registered nurses earn $52,550 annually,making the $7,429 yearly cost pay for itself quickly in a region where healthcare jobs are stable.
The practical nursing program also offers strong earning potential at $37,568, though you'll need to weigh this against the 40% graduation rate. If you don't finish your program, you're stuck with debt and no credential to show for it. The allied health programs pay just $20,140, which barely covers the cost of attendance over time.
Your biggest financial risk here is not graduating. With median debt of only $10,500, you won't be crushed by loans if you complete your program, but that debt becomes harder to manage if you leave without a degree. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish.
This school works best if you're committed to healthcare careers and need affordable local training. The nursing programs provide clear career paths in East Texas, where medical facilities consistently hire. You should look elsewhere if you want programs outside healthcare or need extensive support services to ensure completion.
Only 32% of students receive financial aid, which means most pay out of pocket. This can actually work in your favor since you'll graduate with minimal debt if you complete your program. Focus on the nursing tracks and budget for potential extra time to finish given the completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panola College worth the cost?
Panola College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,429 annually and modest debt of $10,500. However, the 41% graduation rate and $36,072 median earnings suggest mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at Panola College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $52,550 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Panola College. Practical nursing pays $37,568, while other allied health programs average just $20,140.
How much debt do Panola College graduates have?
Panola College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $7,429 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is Panola College's graduation rate and job prospects?
Only 41% of students graduate from Panola College, which is concerning for completion rates. Job prospects vary widely by program, with nursing offering solid career paths while other programs may struggle to justify the investment.