At $10,280/yr net price, Texas State Technical College graduates earn $38,916/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,916/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,280 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,916/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,916/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,281/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,999/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,036/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,018/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $81,333 | $11,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $73,737 | $7,335 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,150 | $15,746 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $57,860 | $10,834 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,439 | $12,955 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,621 | $11,000 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $48,041 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,026 | $14,417 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at Texas State Technical 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 State Technical College delivers solid returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes or breaks the financial outcome. The electrical and power transmission programs stand out with graduates earning over $70,000 annually against modest debt loads under $12,000. These programs capitalize on Texas's energy sector demand and justify the investment within two years of graduation.
The nursing program also performs well at $64,150 in median earnings, though you'll carry higher debt at $15,746. Electromechanical instrumentation and dental support services offer respectable middle-tier returns around $50,000-$58,000 annually. However, avoid programs not listed in the top earnings data, as they likely lead to significantly lower wages that may not justify even TSTC's relatively affordable costs.
Your biggest financial risk is the 37.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs. This creates a substantial chance you'll accumulate debt without gaining marketable credentials. The college works best for students who can commit fully to technical training and have clear career goals in high-demand fields.
TSTC makes financial sense if you're targeting electrical work, nursing, or other top-performing technical fields where Texas employers actively hire. Skip this school if you're exploring general education or uncertain about your career direction. The low completion rates suggest you need strong motivation and study habits to succeed here financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas State Technical College worth the money?
Texas State Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $10,280 per year and median debt of only $9,500. However, the 37.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $38,916 ten years out are modest for technical fields.
What are the highest paying programs at Texas State Technical College?
Electrical and power transmission programs lead with graduates earning $73,000-$81,000 annually. Nursing graduates earn around $64,150, while electromechanical instrumentation pays about $57,860.
How much debt do Texas State Technical College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The low debt burden helps offset the school's below-average earnings outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at Texas State Technical College?
Only 37.5% of students graduate from Texas State Technical College. This low completion rate is a major concern, as students who don't finish often face debt without the credential needed for higher-paying technical jobs.