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Texas
Texas
Community
Colleges
Public community colleges train our workforce and prepare students for further academic study. The state’s 50 community college districts also play an important role in meeting the specific educational and vocational needs of the local areas they serve.
Statewide Impact of Community Colleges’ spending, Fiscal 2019
Employment
77,738
Output
$9.8 billion
Compensation
$4.7 billion
Note: Figures include direct, indirect and induced economic impacts.
Sources: JobsEQ, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas community colleges.
Affordability
Average Annual Tuition and Fees: Most Affordable Public Two-Year Institutions by State, 2017-18 School Year
| Jurisdiction | Average Annual Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| United States | $3,243 |
| Florida | $2,506 |
| Texas | $2,209 |
| Arizona | $2,152 |
| New Mexico | $1,666 |
| California | $1,268 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Community colleges are much more affordable than other higher education options, particularly in Texas. In the 2017-18 school year, Texas’ community colleges had the nation’s fourth-lowest tuition and fees, behind only California, New Mexico and Arizona. Texas community colleges average $2,209 per year versus a U.S. average of $3,243.
61 PERCENT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATES STAY WITHIN 50 MILES OF THE INSTITUTION THEY ATTENDED.
Wages by Educational Attainment
Average Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment, Texas, 2018
Community colleges provide their students with a good return on their investment. In 2018, workers in Texas with some college or associate degrees, with stable jobs, earned an average $8,393 more annually than high school graduates.
| Educational Attainment | Employed | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 2,065,483 | $42,808 |
| High school or equivalent, no college | 2,765,759 | $52,035 |
| Some college or associate degree | 3,245,675 | $60,428 |
| Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree | 2,454,975 | $95,716 |
| Educational attainment not available | 1,544,282 | $22,087 |
| Total | 12,076,174 | $58,787 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and JobsEQ
Average wage Increase Over High School or Equivalent
$8,393
Number of workers, Some College or Associate Degree
3,245,675
Total Statewide additional wages
$27.2 billion
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, JobsEQ and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Certificates and Degrees
Top Certificates and Degrees in Texas Community Colleges, 2017-18 School Year
| Certificates and Degrees | Number Awarded |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 48,801 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences | 37,768 |
| Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services | 15,700 |
| Personal and Culinary Services | 10,914 |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians | 9,202 |
Source: JobsEQ
Summary
Texas’ 50 community college districts contribute nearly $10 billion to the state’s economy and support nearly 78,000 jobs. They also provide Texas students with a low-cost option to build skills or prepare for further education, leading to better jobs and adding more than $27 billion to total statewide income
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.