Students at Collin County Community College District benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible across all income levels, with net prices well below national averages.
The college's strength lies in providing educational access with minimal debt burden, creating sustainable pathways for students to build careers or transfer to four-year institutions.
Collin County Community College District serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. As a large public community college system, it provides affordable pathways for students across income levels, with net prices ranging from $7,260 for low-income students to $14,142 for higher-income families. The institution particularly excels in affordability, ranking in the 84th percentile nationally for keeping costs manageable.
The college serves a diverse student population, with 41% being first-generation college students and 16% receiving Pell Grants. While completion rates present challenges typical of community colleges—with a 22% six-year completion rate overall—the institution maintains its role as an "Opportunity Builder" in terms of economic mobility. This designation reflects its ability to provide access to students who might not otherwise pursue higher education, even as outcomes vary.
As part of Texas's robust community college network, Collin County Community College District offers students an affordable foundation for either immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. The college's strength lies in providing educational access at a fraction of the cost of traditional four-year universities, making it a practical choice for families prioritizing affordability and flexibility in their educational planning.
As a community college, Collin County Community College District focuses on providing foundational education, workforce training, and transfer preparation rather than specialized degree programs with tracked earnings outcomes. The institution serves students across a broad range of academic and career interests, from liberal arts transfer programs that prepare students for bachelor's degree completion to technical and professional programs that lead directly to employment.
The college's program portfolio emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, allowing students to pursue education part-time while working or caring for families. Many students use the institution as a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities, while others focus on career and technical education programs that provide direct pathways to employment in growing fields.
Without specific program-level earnings data available, the college's value proposition centers on providing affordable, accessible education that serves as a foundation for further academic or career advancement. Students benefit from small class sizes, supportive faculty, and the flexibility to balance education with other life responsibilities, creating pathways to economic mobility that might not otherwise exist.
Graduates of Collin County Community College District see moderate earnings outcomes that reflect the institution's role as a community college and transfer pathway. Six years after enrollment, median earnings reach $38,984, climbing to $48,701 by the ten-year mark. These figures place the college around the 40th percentile nationally for earnings, representing typical community college outcomes that serve as stepping stones rather than final destinations for many students.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth over time, with graduates seeing meaningful income increases as they progress in their careers or complete additional education through transfer pathways. While the institution's earnings performance is modest compared to four-year universities, it's important to consider that many students use community college as a launching pad for bachelor's degree completion elsewhere. The college serves over 2,700 students who eventually earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating that strong long-term outcomes are achievable.
For students who complete their education at the community college level, the return on investment remains solid given the low cost of attendance. The combination of affordable tuition, minimal debt accumulation, and steady earnings growth creates a practical pathway to middle-class stability, particularly for students entering directly into the workforce or those who transfer to complete four-year degrees at other institutions.
Collin County Community College District excels in affordability, ranking in the 84th percentile nationally for keeping educational costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,260 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs of $10,449, and even higher-income students pay only $14,142 per year. These figures represent exceptional value compared to four-year institutions, making higher education accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
The college's affordability extends beyond tuition to debt management. Students who borrow typically graduate with just $7,500 in federal student loan debt, a remarkably low figure that reflects both the institution's low sticker price and students' ability to work while attending classes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,723 for families who choose this option, though many students complete their programs without requiring family borrowing at all.
What makes the college particularly sustainable financially is how manageable the debt burden remains relative to post-graduation earnings. With median earnings of $48,701 ten years out and typical federal loan debt of only $7,500, graduates can comfortably manage repayment while building their careers. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that borrowers successfully navigate their repayment obligations without financial distress.
Collin County Community College District Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
