At $11,197/yr net price, Trinidad State College graduates earn $36,475/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,475/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,197 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,475/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,475/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,908 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,546/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,089/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,281/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,590/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,373/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $56,979 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,852 | $13,800 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $35,594 | |
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $26,585 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $23,456 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $7,300 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,922 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Trinidad State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Trinidad State College offers surprisingly strong financial returns for a rural Colorado community college, with most graduates earning solid middle-class wages while carrying minimal debt loads.
The electrical and nursing programs deliver strong value, with electrical installers earning $57,000 annually and registered nurses pulling in $55,000. These technical programs align perfectly with Colorado's energy sector and healthcare needs, giving you clear pathways to stable careers. Even nursing graduates carry just $13,800 in debt, making the program affordable despite higher training costs.
You should avoid the automotive repair program, where graduates earn only $26,500 annually. This creates a poor return given Colorado's higher cost of living, especially compared to the school's stronger technical offerings.
The biggest financial risk here is the 55% graduation rate. If you struggle with academic persistence or need extensive support services, you face real odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The 67% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
This school works best if you want hands-on technical training without the debt burden of a four-year degree. The $11,200 annual cost and $8,900 median debt load make it accessible for working-class families. You get the most value by choosing electrical or nursing programs and staying focused on completion.
Financial aid reaches only 41% of students, suggesting many families pay out of pocket. The low sticker price makes this feasible, but you should confirm your program choice early since switching majors could extend your time to graduation and increase costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trinidad State College worth the money?
Trinidad State College offers decent value for students in specific technical programs like electrical work and nursing, which can lead to salaries above $50,000. However, with average earnings of $36,475 after 10 years and a graduation rate of only 56%, many students don't see strong returns on their investment.
What are the best paying programs at Trinidad State College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads with $56,979 average earnings, followed by Registered Nursing at $54,852. These technical programs offer the strongest financial returns, while other fields like vehicle repair average only $26,585.
How much debt do Trinidad State College graduates have?
The median debt is $8,908, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. With the net price around $11,197 per year, students who complete programs quickly can minimize debt load.
What is Trinidad State College's graduation rate and job outcomes?
Only 55.7% of students graduate, meaning nearly half don't complete their programs. Those who do graduate earn an average of $36,475 after 10 years, which is modest but varies significantly by program choice.