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 costs about $7,400 a year net, and your median debt at graduation runs $10,500. That's low. But median earnings ten years out sit at $36,072, which is modest. The math works only if you finish and pick the right program, and the 40.8% graduation rate means most people who start here don't cross the finish line.
Nursing is where the money is. The registered nursing certificate leads to earnings above $52,000, nearly $15,000 more than the practical/vocational nursing associate track and more than double the allied health and medical assisting certificate at roughly $20,000. If you enroll here for anything other than nursing, look hard at what you'll actually earn. The allied health certificate pays less than what many jobs offer without any credential at all.
The biggest financial risk is not finishing. Debt is cheap here, but a partial education you leave with no credential still costs you tuition and time. With a graduation rate under 41%, that's a real possibility, not a hypothetical.
The net price tiers are close to flat across incomes, and oddly, families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay the most at $9,880, more than families over $110,000. If you're in that middle band, you get the least price break. Families under $30,000 pay the least at $6,434.
Panola is a good fit if you want to become a nurse and stay near Carthage, where the low cost and short RN path give you a clean return. If your goal is a bachelor's-level career or a field outside healthcare, this is a cheap place to start credits before transferring, but the direct earnings data here won't back up staying for a terminal degree.
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.