At $7,236/yr net price, Texarkana College graduates earn $34,647/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $647/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,236 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,647/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$647/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 44.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,517/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,155/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,721/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,667/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,380/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 | $52,107 | $11,895 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,847 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $25,194 | $8,896 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $20,140 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | $11,750 |
The Risk Factor
36.2% of students at Texarkana 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
Texarkana College delivers strong ROI if you choose the right program, but many students pick majors that lead to financial disappointment. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nursing graduates earning $52,107 annually against manageable debt of $11,895.
Your program choice makes or breaks your financial outcome here. Nursing students see excellent returns that justify borrowing, while liberal arts graduates earn just $18,315 despite carrying $11,750 in debt. The precision metal working program offers decent middle-ground earnings at $25,194 with lower debt of $8,896. HVAC graduates struggle most, earning only $20,140 while owing $9,500.
The 36% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You could accumulate debt without completing your program, leaving you worse off than when you started. This risk hits hardest in programs like liberal arts where even graduates see poor earnings.
Texarkana College works best for you if you can commit to nursing or skilled trades programs and have strong motivation to finish. The low net price of $7,236 makes it accessible, and only 28% of students need financial aid, suggesting many can pay out of pocket. Avoid this school if you want liberal arts education or lack clear career focus, as the weak graduation rate combined with poor earnings in general programs creates a dangerous financial trap.
Your best strategy is choosing nursing if you can handle the coursework demands, or selecting precision metal working for a safer middle path. Skip programs that lead to earnings below $25,000, as they rarely justify even this school's low costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texarkana College worth the money?
Texarkana College offers decent value for career-focused programs, with low annual costs around $7,236 and manageable debt of $10,500. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $34,647 after 10 years are modest.
What are the highest paying programs at Texarkana College?
Registered nursing programs lead earnings at $52,107 annually, followed by practical nursing at $34,847. Technical programs like precision metal working ($25,194) and HVAC ($20,140) also provide solid returns, while liberal arts graduates average just $18,315.
How much debt do Texarkana College graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $10,500 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The nursing programs justify this debt level, but students in lower-paying fields may struggle with loan payments.
What is the graduation rate at Texarkana College?
Only 36% of students graduate from Texarkana College. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt and credits without earning a credential, making the investment risky for students who aren't committed to finishing.