At $6,934/yr net price, Temple College graduates earn $38,678/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,678/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,934 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,678/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,678/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,813 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,774/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,329/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,983/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,703/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,880/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 | $63,377 | $13,062 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $61,020 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | $12,916 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $47,260 | $14,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,906 | $8,525 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,960 | $10,570 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,816 | $12,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,426 | $11,741 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Temple 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
Temple College's financial picture depends almost entirely on what you study. The median graduate earns $38,678 ten years out, which is modest, but that number hides a wide gap between health programs and everything else. With debt around $12,813 and a net price under $7,000 a year, the cost side is low. The risk is the 27% graduation rate.
The nursing and allied health programs are where the money is. An associate degree in registered nursing pays $63,377, dental support services pays $61,020, and both carry debt near or below the school median. These programs pay off clearly because a health credential in Central Texas leads straight into hospital and clinic jobs. The practical/vocational nursing certificate is the cheapest path to a health career here, with just $8,525 in debt, though it earns $38,906, roughly the school median.
The main risk is not debt but completion. Fewer than three in ten students finish, and if you borrow, start a program, and leave without the credential, you carry the loan without the earnings bump that makes it worth it. The high-earning outcomes above belong to people who finished. Enroll only if you have a realistic plan to complete.
Net price stays affordable across income levels. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $4,774 a year. even above $110,000 it tops out near $10,880. Lower-income families face little financial barrier to enrolling here.
This school fits you if you want a health credential and can commit to finishing. It works as a low-cost transfer start too. If you are not aiming at nursing or allied health and want strong earnings straight from a degree here, the program-level data doesn't support that, and you should compare other options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Temple College worth the cost?
Temple College offers good value with a low net price of $6,934 per year and manageable debt of $12,813. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $38,678 after 10 years are modest outside of nursing programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Temple College?
Nursing programs at Temple College provide the strongest return on investment, with registered nursing graduates earning $63,377 and dental support services graduates earning $61,020. Other allied health programs also outperform the school average.
How much debt do Temple College graduates have?
Temple College graduates carry a median debt of $12,813, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
What is Temple College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Temple College has a 27% graduation rate, meaning nearly three-quarters of students don't complete their programs. This significantly impacts the school's value since students who don't graduate often still carry debt without earning credentials.