About Vernon College
The financial picture works for working-class families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $4,583 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30,000-$48,000) pay $5,437. Graduates earn a median of $40,464 ten years out, with typical debt loads of $11,000. The monthly loan payment of $117 stays manageable for most career paths. With 93% of graduates finding employment, the investment pays off for students seeking immediate workforce entry.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65%, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and education. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means personal attention in a small-town environment. While the 18% six-year graduation rate seems low, it reflects the reality that many community college students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Vernon College delivers what rural Texas needs: accessible education that leads directly to local jobs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 54.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 18.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,464
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,221 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,018 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,055 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,771 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,288 |
Campus Life
The campus experiences hot Texas summers where you'll need sunscreen and air conditioning, plus surprisingly cold winters that require a coat. Women make up 65% of the student body, and 97% of students are from Texas. The small-town setting means weekend entertainment often involves driving to larger cities or outdoor activities like fishing and hunting that match the regional culture.
With 90 athletes competing in five NJCAA sports, games provide some campus social life. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment where professors know their students personally. Many students work part-time jobs in Vernon or nearby communities while taking classes. The rural location and commuter nature mean campus life revolves around academics and athletics rather than traditional college social scenes.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 146 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1972
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–53°F
- July Avg
- 72°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 27.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,554.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.1%
- Women
- 64.9%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 7.1%
- Hispanic
- 29.4%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.2%
Location
- Address
- Vernon, Texas 76384-4092
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,464
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,014
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Vernon College?
Vernon College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,656 students with a focus on accessible education in rural North Texas. Nearly all students are Texas residents, with 97.29% coming from in-state.
How much does Vernon College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,571 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,583 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $11,776. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families in rural Texas.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Vernon College?
Vernon College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than many larger institutions. The college focuses on career and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Class sizes remain manageable across the school's associate degree and certificate programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Vernon College?
Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation in the region's key industries. Median earnings reach $40,464 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical skills training. The 18.40% six-year graduation rate is typical for rural community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.
Does Vernon College have on-campus housing?
Vernon College offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 146 students. Room and board costs $6,138 annually, making it an affordable option for students who want the residential experience. The small housing program reflects the college's primarily commuter-based student body from the surrounding rural area.
What sports does Vernon College offer?
Vernon College competes in NJCAA athletics with 5 varsity sports and 90 total student-athletes. The athletic program awards $517,564 in scholarships annually, providing significant opportunities for local talent. Athletics serve as both a recruitment tool and community connection point in this small Texas town of Vernon.
