At $7,634/yr net price, Southwest Texas Junior College graduates earn $35,563/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,563/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,634 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,563/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,563/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,200 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,755/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,765/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,518/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,974/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,579/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Southwest Texas Junior 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
Southwest Texas Junior College delivers solid financial returns if you choose the right program, but the overall graduation rate of 33% creates significant completion risk. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nurses earning $62,409 annually and allied health graduates making $55,964. These healthcare tracks justify the $7,634 annual cost and position you well in the San Antonio and South Texas job markets where medical facilities consistently hire.
Criminal justice graduates earn $41,565, which provides decent returns given the low debt load. However, practical nursing comes with higher debt at $9,000 while producing lower earnings at $30,988, making it a weaker financial choice compared to the RN program. Precision metal working offers middle-ground earnings at $36,560 for students interested in manufacturing careers.
The biggest financial risk is failing to graduate. With only one-third of students completing their programs, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The median debt of $6,200 stays manageable for completers, but any debt becomes problematic if you drop out.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands of nursing programs. The low net price makes it accessible for regional students, and only 36% of students need financial aid, suggesting affordable tuition for most Texas families. Avoid Southwest Texas if you lack clear career direction or struggle with program completion, as the low graduation rate indicates academic challenges that could derail your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Texas Junior College worth the money?
Southwest Texas Junior College offers solid value for nursing and allied health programs, with graduates earning $55,000-$62,000 annually. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and other programs like criminal justice show weaker returns at $41,565 per year.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest Texas Junior College?
Registered nursing leads at $62,409 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $55,964. Precision metal working pays $36,560, while practical nursing averages $30,988.
How much debt do Southwest Texas Junior College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $6,200 in debt, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning over $55,000. Students in lower-paying programs may struggle more with loan payments relative to their earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Texas Junior College?
Only 33% of students graduate from Southwest Texas Junior College. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a credential, making program choice and academic preparation critical factors.