At $8,664/yr net price, Weatherford College graduates earn $42,397/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,397/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,664 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,397/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,397/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,948 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,851/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,678/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,586/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,503/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,673/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 | $63,563 | $13,015 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $56,415 | $10,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $54,035 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $53,858 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,478 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,584 | $8,756 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
22.8% of students at Weatherford 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
Weatherford College delivers solid returns if you stick to healthcare and public safety programs, but the overall picture shows concerning warning signs. The 23% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their degree, creating financial risk for anyone not committed to finishing.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating $63,563 in median earnings with manageable debt of $13,015. Allied health programs also perform well, with medical assisting services reaching $56,415 annually. Fire protection and criminal justice round out the financially viable options, both exceeding $47,000 in earnings.
The low graduation rate creates a major financial trap. If you doubt your ability to complete coursework or lack strong study habits, this school poses significant risk. The median debt of $9,948 becomes problematic if you leave without credentials that employers recognize.
Weatherford works best for focused students entering healthcare or public safety careers who can handle the completion challenge. The regional job market in north-central Texas supports these fields well. The low net price of $8,664 makes it affordable for students who finish their programs.
Financial aid coverage remains limited, with only 19% of students receiving aid. This means you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. Merit scholarships appear scarce, so plan on covering the full sticker price.
Skip this school if you're exploring general education or undecided about career direction. The completion rates suggest many students struggle with the academic environment. Consider Weatherford only if you have a clear path to nursing, allied health, or public safety careers and confidence in your ability to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weatherford College worth the money?
Weatherford College offers decent value for students who complete programs in nursing or allied health, where graduates earn $53,000-$63,000 annually. However, the 23% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for those unsure about their commitment.
What are the best paying majors at Weatherford College?
Registered nursing leads at $63,563 annually, followed by allied health and medical assisting at $56,415. Fire protection and criminal justice programs also show solid returns above $47,000.
How much debt do Weatherford College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,948, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps offset the relatively modest $42,397 average earnings for graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Weatherford College?
Only 23% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI. Students should have a clear plan and strong motivation before enrolling, as most who start don't finish their programs.