At $9,924/yr net price, Tyler Junior College graduates earn $38,140/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,140/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,924 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,140/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,140/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,995 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,333/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,395/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,009/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,228/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,382/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $79,284 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,383 | $13,623 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,775 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $52,107 | $13,784 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,584 | $12,200 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,467 | $12,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | $11,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $33,446 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,495 |
The Risk Factor
26.7% of students at Tyler Junior 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
Tyler Junior College delivers strong financial returns if you choose the right program, but the overall numbers mask significant variation across majors. The electromechanical instrumentation program produces graduates earning nearly $80,000 annually, making it one of the best community college investments in Texas. Healthcare programs also perform well, with nursing graduates earning $55,000 and dental support services reaching $54,000.
The major financial risk here is program selection. While technical and healthcare majors justify the investment, other programs likely struggle to generate positive returns given the school's $38,000 median earnings across all graduates. The 27% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degrees.
You face manageable debt levels with most graduates owing under $12,000, well below national averages. The $9,900 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, though the 61% retention rate suggests academic support challenges that could extend your time to graduation.
Tyler Junior College makes financial sense if you target high-earning technical programs or use it as an affordable pathway to transfer to a four-year university. The school works particularly well for East Texas residents who can live at home and access strong regional healthcare and industrial job markets. Skip this option if you need extensive academic support or want programs outside healthcare and technical fields, where employment prospects appear weaker.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and choosing majors with clear career paths in the regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tyler Junior College worth the cost?
Tyler Junior College offers decent value for career-focused programs, with a net price of $9,924 annually and median debt under $12,000. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $38,140 are modest compared to four-year degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Tyler Junior College?
Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn around $79,284 annually, making it Tyler Junior College's strongest ROI program. Nursing and dental support programs also pay well at $55,000+ annually, significantly above the school's overall graduate average.
How much debt do Tyler Junior College students graduate with?
Tyler Junior College graduates carry a median debt of $11,995, which is manageable for a two-year program. The relatively low debt load helps offset the modest earning potential for most graduates.
What is Tyler Junior College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 27% of Tyler Junior College students graduate, meaning most students leave without completing their program. This low completion rate increases the risk that students will have debt but no credential to show for it.