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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path, but the payoff is modest. You leave with a median debt under $9,000, one of the smallest loads you'll find at any public school. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out land around $36,000, which is close to what many high school graduates earn in Colorado. So the return is real only because you're borrowing so little to get it.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat this as a school built around associate degrees and certificates. That shapes who it fits. If you want to move into welding, nursing prerequisites, an ag or trade credential, or transfer credits before a four-year school, the math works in your favor because the cost is small and you can finish in two years. If you're expecting a degree here alone to push you well past $40,000, the data doesn't support that.
The main risk is completion and staying enrolled. Only two of three students come back for a second year, and just over half finish. Even cheap debt turns into a bad deal if you borrow, drop out, and leave without the credential.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $10,000 a year, and grants absorb much of the sticker cost. Above $75,000, price climbs sharply, and by the top bracket you're paying roughly double the lowest tier for the same modest earnings outcome.
This school fits you if you're cost-conscious, local, and using it as a cheap start or a trade credential. Look elsewhere if you need strong four-year degree earnings to justify the time.
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.