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 keeps costs low and debt lower, but the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick. At roughly $6,662 a year with median debt around $5,342, you won't leave here buried. The problem is earnings: a typical graduate earns about $36,515 ten years out, which is modest even for a two-year school, and the 36.6% graduation rate means most people who enroll don't finish.
The clearest financial win is the allied health associate track, which lands graduates near $37,208. That's a real return against this school's low sticker price, and it lines up with steady healthcare demand in northeast Texas. Precision metal working, a certificate, comes in lower at $24,325 but still ties to regional trade jobs and costs less time to complete.
The weak spots are stark. The HVAC certificate reports about $16,478 and the general liberal arts associate about $16,345 , both below what full-time work at low wages would pay. Liberal arts here is a transfer path, not an endpoint. If you stop at that associate degree without moving on to a four-year school, the numbers say you'll struggle.
Net price rises as family income climbs, from under $6,000 for families earning below $30k to about $9,041 in the $75-110k tier. Even at the top, this is cheap. For a lower-income family, the cost is manageable and the debt risk small.
This school fits you if you're targeting allied health or a skilled trade and plan to finish. It's a low-risk transfer starting point if you'll actually transfer. Look elsewhere if you want a liberal arts associate as your final credential , the earnings don't support it.
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.