At $10,991/yr net price, Sul Ross State University graduates earn $41,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,991 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,900 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,209/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,462/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,614/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,084/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,654/yr |
The Risk Factor
27.4% of students at Sul Ross State University 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
Sul Ross State University delivers poor financial returns despite its low sticker price. Your median earnings of $41,871 ten years after graduation place you well below the national average for college graduates, while the 27% graduation rate means most students never finish their degree at all.
The low graduation and retention rates create significant financial risk. With only 58% of students returning for sophomore year, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. Even if you do graduate, your earning potential remains limited in Sul Ross's rural West Texas location, where job opportunities are scarce outside of education, ranching, and border patrol work.
Education majors find the most viable career path here, as Sul Ross maintains strong connections with regional school districts facing teacher shortages. Criminal justice graduates can pursue Border Patrol positions, though competition remains intense. Most other programs struggle to provide clear pathways to well-paying regional employment.
You should consider Sul Ross only if you plan to stay in far West Texas long-term and can commit fully to graduating. The school works for students who need extremely affordable tuition and can handle the isolation of Alpine. Your $15,900 median debt load stays manageable, but only if you actually finish your degree.
Skip Sul Ross if you need urban internship opportunities, diverse job prospects, or strong alumni networks. The low graduation rate suggests many students transfer out, often losing credits in the process. Consider starting at a community college instead, then transferring to a university with better completion rates and job placement outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sul Ross State University worth the cost?
Sul Ross State University offers a low net price at $10,991 per year, but graduates earn only $41,871 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 27% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky for many.
What is the return on investment for Sul Ross State University graduates?
With median debt of $15,900 and earnings of $41,871 ten years after enrollment, Sul Ross graduates see a modest return. However, the extremely low graduation rate of 27% means the majority of students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Which programs at Sul Ross State University have the best job prospects?
Sul Ross is known for its agriculture and ranch management programs, which align with regional job markets in West Texas. Education and criminal justice programs also provide local employment opportunities, though earnings remain modest across most fields.
How much financial aid do Sul Ross State University students typically receive?
The low net price of $10,991 suggests most students receive significant financial aid, making Sul Ross one of the more affordable options in Texas. This helps keep debt levels relatively low at $15,900 median for those who borrow.