Western Texas College: $3,240 Tuition

$3,240Tuition

486Students

59%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,508Earnings

#10 in TexasPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Western Texas College

Western Texas College draws students from across rural West Texas who want hands-on training in agriculture and oil field technology. With just 486 students on campus, this community college maintains the small-town feel that defines Snyder. The school has built a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in energy and farming, two industries that drive the regional economy.

Students pay an average of $4,094 annually after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $42,508 ten years after leaving school, creating a solid return on investment for the modest debt load of $7,515. Monthly loan payments average just $80, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible for working-class families.

The Westerners compete in 13 varsity sports with 233 total athletes, giving this small campus an outsized athletic presence. Hispanic students make up 48% of enrollment, reflecting the demographics of West Texas border communities. With 57% of students being male, the campus skews toward traditionally male-dominated career fields. The 58% six-year graduation rate shows that most students complete their programs and move into the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Western Texas College serves the oil and agriculture heartland with career-focused programs that reflect the regional economy. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their 486 students personally and can provide hands-on guidance. Agriculture and oil field technology programs prepare students for West Texas industries that drive the local economy. The 58.5% graduation rate is solid for a community college serving a remote area where many students juggle work and family obligations. With only 1.58% of students taking federal loans, most can afford their education without heavy debt. The college emphasizes practical skills over theory, with programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 92.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 58.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,508

Campus Life

Western Texas College sits in Snyder, a town of 11,000 people about 100 miles southeast of Lubbock. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. With just 486 students total, you'll recognize faces quickly across the small campus. About 72% of students come from in-state, many from surrounding rural communities.

The housing capacity of 350 means most students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential experience unusual for community colleges. Summers reach the high 90s, so pack sunscreen and light clothing. Winters are mild but can surprise you with occasional freezing temperatures. The Westerners compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 233 total athletes, meaning nearly half the student body plays varsity athletics. With over $1 million in athletic scholarships available, sports dominate weekend social life. Students often gather for football and rodeo events, celebrating the school's connection to West Texas ranching culture. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 350 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1971

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–55°F
July Avg: 69°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.7"
Annual Snowfall: -776.2"

Student Demographics

Western Texas College draws students from across the oil patch and farming communities of West Texas. Two-thirds come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as the region's go-to training ground for agricultural and energy sector careers. The student body is nearly half Hispanic, mirroring the demographics of rural West Texas. Men slightly outnumber women, likely due to the college's emphasis on oil field technology and agriculture programs. With an employment rate of 82.9%, graduates typically stay in the region to work in the industries they trained for.

Men: 57.8%
Women: 42.2%
White: 29.0%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 48.4%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 67.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.8%

Location

Western Texas College sits in Snyder, a town of about 12,000 people located 85 miles southeast of Lubbock. The campus serves the remote oil and ranching country of West Texas, where wide open spaces and agricultural communities define the landscape. Snyder itself revolves around the oil industry and farming, giving students a genuine taste of rural Texas life. The college's 350-bed housing capacity serves students from across this sparsely populated region, with 67% of enrollment coming from in-state. The nearest major metropolitan area is Dallas-Fort Worth, roughly 180 miles to the east. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Western Texas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Snyder, Texas 79549

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,508
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,380
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,515

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Western Texas College?

Western Texas College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 486 students in rural West Texas with programs designed for both traditional college transfer and workforce preparation. Students can enroll in semester-based courses without competitive admission requirements.

How much does Western Texas College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,094 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,240. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,542 on average after aid. The total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $10,601, but most students graduate with manageable debt of $7,515.

What programs is Western Texas College known for?

The college specializes in agriculture and oil field technology programs that serve the local West Texas economy. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its offerings, the school provides hands-on training in these high-demand regional industries. Students can choose from traditional academic transfer programs alongside these specialized technical fields.

What are the job prospects for Western Texas College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,508 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation. The employment rate stands at 82.9%, indicating strong job placement in the regional economy. Monthly loan payments average just $80, making the debt burden manageable for most graduates.

Where do Western Texas College students live and what is campus life like?

The campus houses up to 350 students in a small town setting in Snyder, Texas. With 57.8% male enrollment and a diverse student body that is 48.4% Hispanic, the college creates a close-knit community atmosphere. About two-thirds of the 486 total students come from within Texas.

Does Western Texas College have strong athletics programs?

The Westerners compete in 13 NJCAA varsity sports with 233 total athletes participating. The college awards $1,049,736 in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating a significant commitment to sports programs. Athletics serve as both a recruitment tool and source of community pride in this rural West Texas setting.