At $3,801/yr net price, Trinity Valley Community College graduates earn $38,567/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,567/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,801 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,204 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,567/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,567/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,426 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,714/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,725/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,880/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,876/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,899/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. | Associate | $56,043 | $13,500 |
| 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 | $13,124 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $29,685 | $10,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,967 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,421 | $9,083 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $14,137 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
23.9% of students at Trinity Valley Community 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
Trinity Valley Community College delivers a mixed financial picture with stark differences between career paths. Your annual costs stay remarkably low at $3,801 net price, but the 24% graduation rate creates significant completion risk that could derail your investment entirely.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, with registered nurses earning $56,043 annually against $13,500 in debt. This creates a strong payback timeline that justifies the higher borrowing. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $41,565 in earnings, though debt data isn't available to calculate full returns.
Avoid the practical nursing track despite its healthcare connection. At $29,685 in earnings with $10,500 in debt, you'll earn less than registered nurses while still carrying substantial loans. Business operations programs show similarly weak returns at $30,771 with $13,124 in debt.
The precision metalworking program offers decent middle-ground earnings at $33,281, though debt figures aren't reported. Given the regional manufacturing presence in East Texas, this could provide stable local employment opportunities.
Your biggest financial risk here isn't cost but completion. Nearly three-quarters of students don't graduate, which means you could accumulate debt without earning the credentials needed for higher wages. The low aid percentage of 30% suggests limited financial support infrastructure.
Trinity Valley works financially if you can commit to finishing and choose nursing or allied health programs. The low sticker price makes it accessible for career changers or students with family obligations. However, if you struggle with completion or lean toward business programs, you'll find better ROI elsewhere with stronger support systems and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trinity Valley Community College worth the money?
Trinity Valley Community College offers good value with a low net price of $3,801 per year and manageable debt levels around $10,400. However, the 24% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your return on investment if you don't complete your program.
What are the highest paying programs at Trinity Valley Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Trinity Valley lead to the highest earnings at $56,043 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $41,565. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $38,567.
How much debt do Trinity Valley Community College graduates have?
Trinity Valley Community College graduates typically carry $10,426 in debt, which is reasonable given the low annual cost. The debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for nursing graduates but may be challenging for lower-paying programs.
What is Trinity Valley Community College's graduation rate and job prospects?
Trinity Valley Community College has a 24% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. Those who do graduate and enter healthcare fields see strong job prospects, while other programs offer more limited earning potential.