At $4,094/yr net price, Western Texas College graduates earn $42,508/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,508/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,094 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,508/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,508/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,515 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,542/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,325/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,047/yr |
The Risk Factor
58.5% of students at Western Texas College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Western Texas College delivers strong financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $42,508 ten years after enrollment against minimal debt of just $7,515. Your total investment stays remarkably low at $4,094 annually after aid, making this one of the most affordable pathways to career training in Texas.
The college's vocational programs align well with regional energy and agriculture employers. Welding, petroleum technology, and heavy equipment operation offer the strongest earning potential in the Permian Basin job market. Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting provide steady employment but require careful planning since you'll likely need to transfer for bachelor's completion. Avoid general studies unless you have a clear transfer plan to a four-year school.
The biggest financial risk here is the 58.5% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you lose both time and money with little to show for it. The rural location also limits job options if you can't relocate after graduation.
Western Texas College works best if you want quick entry into skilled trades, need affordable prerequisite courses before transferring, or want to test college readiness without major financial commitment. Skip this school if you need extensive student services, want a traditional college experience, or plan to study fields with limited regional job prospects.
Financial aid coverage remains low with only 7.83% receiving assistance, but the rock-bottom sticker price means most students pay out-of-pocket anyway. Focus on completing your program quickly rather than chasing additional aid that likely won't materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Texas College worth the cost?
Western Texas College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,094 annually and manageable debt of $7,515. However, graduates earn a median of $42,508 ten years later, which is below national averages for college graduates.
What is the return on investment for Western Texas College?
The ROI is mixed - you'll pay relatively little and graduate with minimal debt, but earning potential remains limited at around $42,500. This works best for students seeking affordable credentials for local employment or as a transfer pathway.
How much debt do Western Texas College graduates typically have?
Graduates typically leave with $7,515 in debt, which is significantly lower than national averages. The low debt load makes this school less risky financially than most four-year institutions.
Does Western Texas College have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 58.5%, which is reasonable for a community college. This means about 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs, so success depends heavily on individual commitment and preparation.