At $8,463/yr net price, Riverland Community College graduates earn $45,247/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,247/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,463 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,852 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,247/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,247/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,012/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,426/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,389/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,579/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,428/yr |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Riverland Community 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
Riverland Community College gives you a low-cost path with modest but real payoff. At about $8,500 a year in net price and $12,000 in median debt, you're borrowing roughly a quarter of what a single year of median post-graduation earnings brings in. That's a manageable ratio for a two-year public school, and it's the main reason Riverland works financially.
The median earnings of about $45,000 ten years out won't make you wealthy, but against a total two-year cost well under $20,000, the return holds up. Your debt stays small because tuition is low, not because you're skipping college. The 53% graduation rate is the number to watch: finishing is where the payoff lives, and nearly half of students here don't cross the line. If you drop out carrying debt but no credential, the math turns against you fast.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any specific-major promise with caution. Riverland's value comes from transferring credits cheaply toward a four-year degree or finishing a career credential that plugs into the Austin-area job market. That decision matters more than the school's average.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay around $7,000 a year. over $110,000, you pay more than $14,000. Grants and aid narrow the gap most at the bottom, so if money is tight, Riverland is a strong fit. If you're paying the top tier, you're spending double what the lowest-income students pay, and you should compare that against nearby options.
Riverland fits you if you want low debt and a clear plan to graduate or transfer. It's a weaker bet if you're unsure you'll finish, since the risk is borrowing for a credential you never earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverland Community College worth the cost?
At $8,463 per year with graduates earning $45,247 after 10 years, Riverland offers reasonable value for a community college. The low debt burden of $12,000 makes it financially manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Riverland Community College?
Riverland Community College has a 53% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. This means about half of students complete their programs within the expected timeframe.
How much debt do Riverland Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave Riverland with a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. This manageable debt load reduces financial risk for students.
What programs at Riverland Community College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest job placement rates at community colleges like Riverland. Trade programs in areas like automotive technology and welding also tend to lead to steady employment.