At $7,062/yr net price, South Plains College graduates earn $41,276/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,276/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,062 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,276/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,276/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.2% |
| 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 | $5,610/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,429/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,249/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,474/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,874/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. | Associate | $61,651 | $17,153 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,823 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,704 | $10,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,563 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $30,119 |
The Risk Factor
25.2% of students at South Plains 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
South Plains College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths while struggling with completion rates that could derail your investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,651 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in Texas despite requiring $17,153 in debt.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Allied health services and electrical maintenance technology both produce graduates earning nearly $48,000, while precision metalworking offers stable middle-class wages around $42,000. These technical programs align well with West Texas's energy and healthcare job markets, giving you practical career entry points.
The major financial risk is the 25% graduation rate. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this school's completion challenges could cost you money without career benefits.
South Plains College works financially if you target high-earning programs like nursing or skilled trades and can handle the completion requirements independently. The $7,062 annual net price keeps debt manageable for most students. With 40% receiving financial aid, you have decent odds of additional support.
Avoid this school if you need extensive academic scaffolding or are considering lower-earning programs not listed among the top performers. The combination of weak institutional support and modest earnings potential outside healthcare and technical fields creates poor financial outcomes for many students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Plains College worth the money?
South Plains College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,062 annually and manageable debt of $10,500. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and may limit your chances of completing your program.
What are the best paying programs at South Plains College?
Nursing programs at South Plains College lead to the highest earnings at $61,651 annually, followed by allied health services at $48,823. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $41,276.
How much debt do South Plains College graduates have?
South Plains College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low for college debt. The affordable tuition and strong financial aid help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at South Plains College?
Only 25% of students graduate from South Plains College, which is low even for community colleges. This means three out of four students don't complete their programs, making program completion a significant risk factor.