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$2,640Tuition
4,793Students
24%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,567Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Trinity Valley Community College

Trinity Valley Community College builds champions on and off the field in small-town East Texas. The Cardinals compete in 11 varsity sports and distribute over $1.9 million in athletic scholarships annually. Football and baseball teams have produced numerous Division I transfers and professional players. With 4,793 students spread across a town-distant setting, the college maintains an intimate 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture favors students from working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $1,714 net price after aid. Even middle-income families see reasonable costs, with net prices ranging from $2,725 to $5,880 for most brackets. Graduates earn a median of $38,567 ten years out, while carrying only $10,426 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $111, making this education highly affordable relative to outcomes.

Women make up 60% of the student body, while 94% come from Texas. The 23.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college mission of serving students with varied goals and timelines. Many transfer to four-year universities before completing associate degrees. The college houses 500 students on campus, creating a residential experience uncommon among Texas community colleges. Employment rates reach 88.4% for graduates entering the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Trinity Valley Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in East Texas. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that many four-year universities cannot match. However, the 24% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and academics. TVCC has built a reputation for strong transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. The college also offers robust career and technical education programs in fields like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. With 93% of students coming from Texas, the school understands the local job market and designs programs to meet regional workforce needs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
73.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
24.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,567

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,043
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $41,565
Precision Metal Working. Associate $33,281
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $30,771
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Associate $29,685
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $25,967
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,421
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Associate $14,137

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

Athens sits 75 miles southeast of Dallas, giving students access to big-city opportunities without urban stress. With housing capacity for 500 students and total enrollment of 4,793, only about 10% live on campus. Most students commute from East Texas communities, creating a primarily local feel where 93.59% are in-state residents.

The Cardinals compete in 11 varsity sports with 331 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus culture. Football and baseball draw the biggest crowds, with $1.9 million in athletic scholarships bringing talent to this small-town setting. Weekend life often revolves around games during sports seasons. East Texas weather means hot, humid summers and mild winters where you'll need shorts more than heavy coats. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 24.65% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. Campus feels close-knit despite its size, with students often knowing teammates, classmates, and faculty personally.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
500 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1946

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 2 2 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
34°–57°F
July Avg
72°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
42.9"
Annual Snowfall
-776.9"

Student Demographics

Trinity Valley draws heavily from East Texas, with 94% of students coming from in-state. The school serves a working-class community where 30% qualify for Pell Grants. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that complement the school's athletic reputation. The student body is 52% white, 29% Hispanic, and 13% Black, mirroring the diverse demographics of rural East Texas. Most students are looking for affordable career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their core requirements.
Men
39.8%
Women
60.2%
White
51.8%
Black
12.7%
Hispanic
28.5%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
93.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
30.1%

Location

Athens sits 75 miles southeast of Dallas in East Texas. The town of 13,000 residents doubles in size when Trinity Valley's 4,793 students arrive each fall. Rolling hills and pine forests define this rural area known for its lakes and outdoor recreation. Athens calls itself the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World" and hosts an annual festival celebrating the legume. The community college serves as the town's largest employer and cultural center. Students enjoy small-town life with access to fishing at nearby Lake Athens. Dallas offers big-city amenities within driving distance for weekend trips. The campus houses 500 students in residence halls. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Trinity Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Athens, Texas 75751
Trinity Valley Community College
Trinity Valley Community College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,567
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,248
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,400
Loan Repayment Rate
30.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,426

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Trinity Valley Community College?

Trinity Valley Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges. With 4,793 students enrolled, the school welcomes students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college focuses on providing accessible higher education to the East Texas region.

How much does Trinity Valley Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Trinity Valley Community College is $3,801 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,714 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $2,640. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable college options in Texas.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Trinity Valley Community College?

Trinity Valley Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The school operates on a semester calendar system and serves a diverse student body that is 60% women and 40% men. Classes tend to be smaller and more personalized than at large universities.

What are the graduation and employment rates at Trinity Valley Community College?

Trinity Valley Community College has a 24% four-year graduation rate and 88% employment rate for graduates. Students who complete programs earn a median of $38,567 ten years after enrollment. The relatively low monthly loan payment of $111 reflects the school's affordable approach to career preparation.

Where is Trinity Valley Community College located and what housing options are available?

Trinity Valley Community College sits in Athens, Texas, a town-distant setting about 70 miles southeast of Dallas. The campus can house 500 students in residence halls at $7,534 per year for room and board. Most of the 4,793 students are Texas residents, with 94% coming from in-state.

What athletic programs is Trinity Valley Community College known for?

Trinity Valley Community College competes in 11 NJCAA varsity sports with 331 total athletes. The Cardinals are particularly well-known for their football and baseball programs, which have produced numerous Division I transfers. The school awards $1.9 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a major pathway for student success.