At $6,571/yr net price, Vernon College graduates earn $40,464/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,464/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,571 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,464/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,464/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,583/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,437/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,901/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,260/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,776/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 | $58,221 | $15,624 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,018 | $6,926 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 | $11,146 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,055 | $11,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,771 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,288 |
The Risk Factor
18.4% of students at Vernon 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
Vernon College delivers mixed financial returns depending heavily on your program choice. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nursing graduates earning $58,221 annually against manageable debt of $15,624. This creates a strong payback scenario that justifies the investment.
The vocational nursing track offers another solid path at $38,018 in earnings with lower debt of $6,926. These healthcare programs align well with rural Texas employment needs and provide stable career prospects in the region's medical facilities.
Liberal arts graduates face tougher financial outcomes at $28,055 in median earnings, making the $11,000 debt load harder to justify. The 18% graduation rate compounds this risk by creating high odds you won't complete your program at all.
Your biggest financial risk here is program completion. Nearly four out of five students don't graduate, meaning you could accumulate debt without earning credentials. This makes Vernon College most suitable if you're focused on specific vocational training rather than exploratory education.
The $6,571 annual net price keeps costs reasonable compared to four-year institutions. With 38% of students receiving aid, financial support exists but isn't universal. You're most likely to see positive returns if you target healthcare programs, have clear career goals, and can commit to completing your coursework.
Vernon College works best for students seeking direct job training in nursing or skilled trades. If you're uncertain about your direction or considering transfer to a four-year school, the low completion rates make this a financially risky choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vernon College worth the money?
Vernon College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,571 per year and median debt of only $11,000. However, the 18% 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 Vernon College?
Registered Nursing graduates from Vernon College earn around $58,221 annually, making it the best ROI program. Practical Nursing pays $38,018 while most other programs result in earnings below $35,000.
How much debt do Vernon College students typically have?
Vernon College students graduate with a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
Do Vernon College graduates make good money after graduation?
Vernon College graduates earn $40,464 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. Only nursing programs provide strong earning potential, while liberal arts and general studies graduates typically earn around $28,000.