At $6,662/yr net price, Paris Junior College graduates earn $36,515/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,515/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,662 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,515/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,515/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,342 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,954/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,365/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,191/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,041/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,325 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $16,478 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,345 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Paris Junior 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
Paris Junior College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. With a net price under $7,000 annually and median debt of just $5,342, you face minimal financial risk compared to four-year institutions.
Allied health programs represent your best financial bet, generating median earnings of $37,208 that justify the investment in East Texas's growing healthcare sector. Precision metal working also pays off at $24,325, reflecting strong regional demand for skilled trades. However, HVAC and liberal arts programs produce concerning returns below $17,000 annually, making these poor financial choices unless you plan to transfer.
The 36.6% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you lose the investment entirely. Your odds improve significantly in allied health, where completion rates typically exceed the college average due to clear career pathways and employer partnerships.
This school works financially if you're targeting healthcare careers, need affordable workforce training, or using it as a transfer platform to reduce four-year college costs. Skip it if you're considering HVAC or planning to stay in liberal arts without transferring.
Financial aid reaches only 23% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize return on investment, as the low debt levels make Paris Junior College one of the safer educational bets in Texas community college system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris Junior College worth the money?
Paris Junior College offers decent value with low costs ($6,662 annually) and minimal debt ($5,342 median), but the 37% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The school works best for students pursuing specific trades like allied health or precision metalworking.
What are the highest paying programs at Paris Junior College?
Allied health programs at Paris Junior College lead to the best earnings at $37,208 annually, followed by precision metalworking at $24,325. Liberal arts and HVAC programs result in much lower earnings around $16,000.
How much debt do Paris Junior College graduates have?
Paris Junior College graduates typically have low debt loads with a median of $5,342. The school's affordable tuition keeps borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for Paris Junior College graduates?
Paris Junior College graduates earn $36,515 on average ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. However, success varies significantly by program, with allied health graduates earning twice as much as liberal arts students.