At $5,355/yr net price, Southwest College for the Deaf graduates earn $38,382/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,382/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,355 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,382/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,382/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.0% |
| 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 | $2,524/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,177/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,190/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,452 | $7,700 |
The Risk Factor
80.0% of students at Southwest College for the Deaf graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Southwest College for the Deaf offers a mixed financial picture with extremely low costs but below-average earnings outcomes. Your total debt load will likely stay under $10,000, making this one of the most affordable college options in Texas.
The earnings data reveals significant challenges across programs. Criminal Justice graduates earn $27,048 annually, while Liberal Arts majors see $25,452. Both figures fall well below national averages for associate degree holders, though the low debt burden means your debt-to-income ratio remains manageable.
This school works financially if you need ASL-accessible education and plan to transfer to a four-year institution. The 80% graduation rate suggests strong academic support, and transferring can boost your long-term earning potential beyond what these early-career numbers suggest.
You should look elsewhere if maximizing immediate post-graduation income is your priority. The specialized nature of this institution means fewer high-paying technical programs compared to typical community colleges.
Financial aid covers nearly three-quarters of students, and the low sticker price means you might graduate debt-free with careful planning. The college serves a specific population with unique accessibility needs, making traditional ROI calculations less applicable than for mainstream institutions.
Your best financial strategy involves treating this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree rather than a terminal credential. The combination of specialized support services, low costs, and strong graduation rates creates value that earnings data alone cannot capture for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest College for the Deaf worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Southwest College for the Deaf offers a low net price of $5,355 per year, but graduates earn just $38,382 annually after 10 years. While the debt load is manageable at $9,500, the earnings are well below national averages for college graduates.
What programs at Southwest College for the Deaf have the best return on investment?
Criminal Justice graduates from Southwest College for the Deaf earn around $27,048 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn about $25,452. Both programs offer modest returns given the school's low costs, but earnings remain below typical college graduate salaries.
How much debt do Southwest College for the Deaf students typically graduate with?
Students at Southwest College for the Deaf graduate with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The manageable debt load helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest College for the Deaf and does it affect ROI?
Southwest College for the Deaf has an 80% graduation rate, which is strong and reduces the risk of taking on debt without completing a degree. However, the low post-graduation earnings still present ROI challenges regardless of completion rates.