Students at Weatherford College benefit from exceptionally low costs that make higher education accessible regardless of family income, with comprehensive affordability that extends across all economic backgrounds.
The college's zero default rate and modest debt levels create a financially sustainable path for students seeking workforce preparation or transfer opportunities.
Weatherford College is a public community college in Texas that prioritizes affordability and accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly half of students are first-generation college attendees, and about 19% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the institution's role in serving students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. The college maintains very low net prices across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $6,851 annually and middle-income families facing costs around $9,586.
As a two-year institution, Weatherford College focuses on providing foundational education, workforce training, and transfer preparation rather than the long-term earnings outcomes typical of four-year universities. Graduates who complete programs earn a median of $42,397 ten years after enrollment, which represents modest but positive earnings growth from the $36,014 they earn at the six-year mark. The college falls into the "Opportunity Builders" mobility category, indicating it serves students who need educational access while working to improve their long-term prospects.
For students seeking an affordable pathway into higher education, whether for direct workforce entry or as preparation for transfer to four-year institutions, Weatherford College offers a financially sustainable option. The combination of very low costs, minimal debt requirements, and flexible programming makes it particularly valuable for students who need to balance education with work or family responsibilities while building toward their longer-term career goals.
Weatherford College focuses on providing foundational education and workforce preparation across a range of fields that serve the local Texas economy. As a community college, the institution emphasizes practical skills development and career readiness rather than the specialized professional programs typical of four-year universities. Students can pursue associate degrees and certificate programs designed to prepare them for immediate workforce entry or successful transfer to four-year institutions.
The college's program offerings reflect the needs of its diverse student population, many of whom are balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Programs are structured to provide flexible scheduling and practical skills that translate directly into employment opportunities in the regional job market. While specific program-level earnings data is limited, the institution's focus on workforce development and transfer preparation helps students build the foundation they need for long-term career advancement.
For students considering Weatherford College, the value lies in the combination of affordable, accessible education with practical skills development. The college serves as both a destination for students seeking direct workforce entry and a stepping stone for those planning to continue their education at four-year institutions, providing the foundational preparation necessary for success in either path.
Weatherford College graduates achieve modest but steady earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $36,014 six years after enrollment to $42,397 at the ten-year mark. This trajectory reflects the institution's role as a community college focused on foundational education and workforce preparation rather than the high-earning professional tracks typical of four-year universities. The earnings outcomes place graduates around the 32nd percentile nationally, which aligns with expectations for two-year degree holders entering local and regional job markets.
The college shows a small positive value-added effect, with graduates earning about $1,234 more than similar students at comparable institutions. While this advantage is modest, it suggests that Weatherford College provides solid preparation for the workforce opportunities available to its graduates. The institution serves 119 students who eventually earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating that some graduates do achieve substantial long-term success, likely through career advancement, additional education, or entrepreneurial activities.
For students entering Weatherford College, the financial return comes primarily through the combination of very low educational costs and steady, if moderate, earnings growth. The college's approach emphasizes practical skills and workforce readiness, preparing students for employment in fields like healthcare support, business services, and technical trades that offer stable career paths in the Texas economy. While earnings may not reach the levels seen at four-year institutions, the minimal debt burden and quick entry into the workforce create a sustainable financial foundation for graduates.
Weatherford College stands out for exceptional affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to students regardless of family financial circumstances. Low-income students pay just $6,851 annually, well below typical community college costs, while middle-income families face net prices around $9,586. Even high-income families pay only $13,673 per year, reflecting the institution's commitment to keeping education costs manageable for the entire community it serves.
The college's affordability extends to its debt structure, with typical graduates borrowing just $9,948 in federal student loans and families using Parent PLUS loans averaging $12,000. These modest debt levels mean most students can complete their education without taking on the heavy financial burdens that often accompany higher education. The federal loan default rate of 0% demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their limited debt obligations, likely due to the combination of low borrowing amounts and steady employment outcomes.
What makes Weatherford College particularly sustainable financially is how the low upfront costs translate into manageable long-term obligations. With median earnings of $42,397 ten years after enrollment and typical debt under $10,000, graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The college's pricing structure recognizes that many students work while attending school and need educational options that don't require them to sacrifice immediate income for long-term educational investment.
Weatherford College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
