Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $35,563
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,200
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $66/mo
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 | $62,409 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,964 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,560 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,988 | $9,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,295 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $26,933 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $23,803 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,094 | $6,500 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $18,087 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $15,552 |
Outcomes Overview
Southwest Texas Junior College graduates carry a median debt of $6,200, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17 against their $35,563 median salary after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $66 represent only 2.1% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 85.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement in regional healthcare, law enforcement, and agricultural sectors that value practical training. Most graduates enter the workforce immediately rather than transferring, with many filling critical roles in rural South Texas communities. With low debt burdens and solid earning potential in a low cost-of-living area, SWTJC delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.