At $5,458/yr net price, Texas Southmost College graduates earn $41,900/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,900/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,900/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,900/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,139/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,053/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,340/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,489/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,487/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. | Bachelor | $81,333 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,036 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $49,631 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Engineering Physics. | Bachelor | $45,529 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $44,091 | $5,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,185 | $11,125 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $41,894 |
The Risk Factor
26.8% of students at Texas Southmost 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
Texas Southmost College delivers strong financial returns for students who complete their programs, but the 27% graduation rate creates substantial risk. At $5,458 annually, this is one of the most affordable colleges in Texas, making the financial gamble more manageable than at expensive institutions.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings potential, with graduates earning $66,000 to $81,000 annually. This positions TSC nursing graduates well above the regional median income in the Brownsville area. Education-focused programs like curriculum and instruction also provide solid returns at $55,512, while music graduates earn $48,432.
The college works best for students with clear career goals who can handle the completion challenge. Nursing students face competitive admission but excellent job prospects in the Rio Grande Valley's growing healthcare sector. The low median debt of $9,000 means even students who don't complete their original program face minimal financial damage.
TSC serves a financially vulnerable population with only 31% receiving federal aid, suggesting many students pay out of pocket or use alternative funding. This creates both opportunity and risk. Students who can afford the low tuition without borrowing gain valuable career training, but those struggling financially may find the low graduation rate particularly costly in terms of lost time and opportunity.
You should consider TSC if you need affordable healthcare or education training close to home. Skip it if you lack strong study habits or clear career direction, as the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Southmost College worth the cost?
Texas Southmost College offers good value with a low net price of $5,458 and manageable debt of $9,000. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your ability to complete your degree.
What majors at Texas Southmost College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Texas Southmost College offer strong returns, with graduates earning around $66,000-$81,000 annually. Other programs like music and counseling have much lower earnings potential at $48,000-$50,000.
How much debt do Texas Southmost College graduates have?
Texas Southmost College graduates typically leave with $9,000 in debt, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal for those who complete their programs.
What are the job prospects after Texas Southmost College?
Texas Southmost College graduates earn a median of $41,900 ten years after enrollment. Nursing graduates do significantly better, but the low graduation rate means many students don't reach these earning levels.