At $6,565/yr net price, Ranger College graduates earn $35,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,565 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,768/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,778/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,657/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,350/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,634 | $5,917 |
The Risk Factor
34.6% of students at Ranger 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
Ranger College delivers modest financial returns with significant completion risks that potential students must weigh carefully. The median earnings of $35,552 ten years after enrollment fall below national averages for community colleges, while the 34.6% graduation rate means roughly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.
The school's main academic pathway, Liberal Arts and Sciences, produces graduates earning $32,634 annually with relatively low debt of $5,917. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio, but the earnings ceiling remains low compared to specialized technical programs at other community colleges. Students seeking higher-paying career training in fields like nursing, welding, or automotive technology should consider institutions with stronger vocational offerings.
Your biggest financial risk at Ranger College is not finishing your program. With only one-third of students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt and time costs without earning a credential. The low graduation rate suggests either inadequate academic support or a student body juggling competing priorities that prevent completion.
Ranger College works best financially for local students who can live at home and need an affordable entry point into higher education. The $6,565 net price represents good value for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions after completing general education requirements. However, only 17.7% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited scholarship opportunities.
Students serious about career advancement should look elsewhere unless they have strong personal motivation and clear transfer plans. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings outcomes makes this a risky investment for anyone without local ties or specific reasons to stay in the Ranger area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ranger College worth the cost compared to other Texas community colleges?
Ranger College costs $6,565 per year with graduates earning $35,552 after 10 years, making it reasonably affordable for a two-year program. However, the 34.6% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Ranger College have the best return on investment?
The top programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, with graduates earning around $32,634. These are typically transfer programs rather than career-focused degrees, so your actual ROI depends heavily on where you transfer and what bachelor's degree you complete.
How much student debt do Ranger College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is manageable for most graduates. This relatively low debt load is one of the main advantages of attending Ranger College over four-year institutions.
Should I choose Ranger College or go straight to a four-year university in Texas?
Ranger College makes sense if you want to save money on general education credits before transferring, especially given the low debt levels. However, the low graduation rate suggests you need strong self-motivation to succeed here.