Houston, TX · Private University
Is Houston Community College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$39,254
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$2,040
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$5,460
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$21,840
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
7.19x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
17.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$13,921
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$6,738
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Houston Community College graduates earn $5,746 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Houston Community College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $39,254 10 years after starting, $5,746 below the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.1 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.