Texas College

Based on the provided data, Texas College has a negative ROI score of -16, with median 10-year earnings significantly lower than the median debt at graduation. This suggests it may not be a financially sound investment for most students.

Texas College is a small institution with a predominantly Black student body, offering a specific community environment. However, the low graduation rate may indicate challenges within the academic experience.

While Texas College has a high affordability score of 90 due to low tuition, this is offset by poor post-graduation earnings and a negative ROI, making the overall value questionable.

The median earnings 10 years after entry are $33,752, which is relatively low and suggests that graduates may not be entering high-paying fields or that the programs do not adequately prepare them for lucrative careers.

The graduation rate of 12.2% is a significant concern and may indicate a lack of robust academic support or program effectiveness at Texas College.

Texas College does not publicly disclose its acceptance rate, making it difficult to definitively state how hard it is to get in. However, as a smaller private institution, it may have a more holistic review process compared to large public universities. Prospective students are typically required to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though some may be test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The college emphasizes a commitment to providing educational opportunities, suggesting they may consider a range of academic backgrounds. Given the low graduation rate, it's possible that admission standards, while not explicitly stated, may not always align with a student's ability to succeed through graduation. Interested applicants should focus on presenting a strong academic record, demonstrating leadership potential, and articulating their goals clearly in their application. Contacting the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements and any available insights into their admissions profile is recommended.

Based on the available financial metrics, Texas College appears to be a questionable investment. The tuition is $10,008 per year, leading to a significant cost over four years. However, the median earnings for alumni after 10 years stand at a low $33,752, and the median debt is $31,000. This creates a scenario where graduates are likely to carry substantial debt with relatively modest earning potential. The ROI score of -16 is a strong indicator that, on average, alumni do not earn enough to justify the cost of their education and the debt incurred. The payback period for the $31,000 in debt, considering the median earnings, would be exceptionally long. Furthermore, the very low graduation rate of 12.2% suggests that a significant number of students do not complete their degrees, which can further exacerbate financial challenges. While the college offers a private education, the financial return does not appear to align with the investment. Prospective students should carefully weigh these figures against their career aspirations and explore institutions with a stronger track record of post-graduation financial success.

Identifying the 'best' majors at Texas College requires looking at program strengths and potential career outcomes, though specific data is limited. Historically, programs in Education, particularly for aspiring teachers, and Nursing/Allied Health have been strong areas of focus, aligning with regional employment needs in East Texas. Graduates in these fields often find immediate employment opportunities within local school districts and healthcare facilities. Majors related to Social Work and Human Services may also be considered strong, given the college's mission and the demand for professionals in community support roles. Business administration programs could offer a foundation for various entry-level positions in local companies. However, it's crucial to note that the overall median earnings for Texas College graduates are quite low. Therefore, even within these programs, students should conduct thorough research into specific career paths, potential starting salaries, and long-term earning potential. Networking and seeking internships in fields with higher earning ceilings are highly recommended for students in any major at Texas College.

Student life at Texas College is characterized by its small size and a strong emphasis on community and personal development, often within a faith-based context. As a historically Black college and a United Methodist institution, it fosters a close-knit environment where students are likely to know many of their peers and faculty members. Campus activities often revolve around spiritual life, including regular chapel services, Bible studies, and student-led religious organizations. Social life includes student government, various clubs and organizations catering to academic interests, cultural pursuits, and social engagement. The college also participates in NCAA Division II athletics, providing opportunities for student-athletes and a source of school spirit. Given its location in Tyler, students have access to local attractions, community events, and the natural beauty of East Texas. The overall experience is likely to be intimate, with opportunities for leadership development and forming lasting relationships, but perhaps less diverse in terms of large-scale campus events or a wide array of entertainment options compared to larger universities.

Texas College provides financial aid to a significant portion of its student body, aiming to make education accessible. The primary forms of aid include federal grants (like Pell Grants), state grants, institutional scholarships, and federal student loans. While specific aggregate data on the percentage of students receiving aid or the average aid package is not consistently published, it's common for private institutions like Texas College to offer institutional scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents (e.g., athletics, music). Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid. The college's own financial aid office is the best resource for understanding available scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Given the relatively low tuition compared to some private universities, the aid package might focus more on covering the remaining costs after federal and state aid. Prospective students should proactively engage with the financial aid office to explore all possible funding options and understand the net cost of attendance.

The salary expectations for Texas College graduates are, on average, quite modest. The median earnings reported 10 years after graduation are $33,752. This figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of alumni earn less than this amount, and half earn more. It's important to understand that this is a 10-year mark, suggesting that initial salaries might be lower. Specific salary data by major is not readily available, but based on the overall median, graduates in fields like education, social services, and potentially entry-level healthcare roles are likely to fall within this range. Majors in business or other professional fields might see slightly higher starting salaries, but the overall economic landscape for graduates appears to limit significant earning potential. The low median earnings, coupled with a median debt of $31,000, indicate a challenging financial outlook for many alumni. It is crucial for prospective students to research the typical salaries for their intended career paths and compare this with the cost of attendance and potential debt.

Texas College provides on-campus housing options for its students, typically requiring freshmen and sophomores to live in residence halls. The dormitories are designed to foster a community atmosphere and support student success. Specific details about the amenities in each hall (e.g., room size, furnishings, common areas) can vary. Generally, residence halls are supervised by Resident Assistants (RAs) who help maintain order and provide support to residents. Common amenities often include communal lounges for studying and socializing, laundry facilities, and basic furnishings like a bed, desk, and closet for each student. The college emphasizes that living on campus is an integral part of the educational experience, promoting interaction and engagement. Students are encouraged to visit the campus or contact the housing office for the most up-to-date information on specific residence halls, room assignments, and housing policies. The goal is to provide a safe and conducive living environment for students throughout their academic journey.

Texas College, as a smaller liberal arts institution, offers research opportunities primarily at the undergraduate level, often integrated within coursework and faculty-led projects. While it may not have the extensive research infrastructure or large-scale funding of major research universities, students can engage in meaningful research experiences. Faculty members often involve students in their research endeavors, providing hands-on learning in areas aligned with their academic disciplines. This can include literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings. Opportunities might be more prevalent in fields like education, social sciences, and humanities, where faculty research interests are active. Students interested in research are encouraged to build strong relationships with professors, express their interest early, and inquire about available research assistant positions or independent study projects. While formal research centers might be limited, the emphasis on faculty-student interaction can make undergraduate research a personalized and valuable part of the educational experience at Texas College.

Texas College is often compared to other small, private, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and religiously affiliated institutions in Texas and surrounding states. Its peers might include Wiley University, Jarvis Christian University, and Paul Quinn College. Compared to these institutions, Texas College shares a similar mission of providing accessible education within a supportive, community-oriented environment. Advantages it might hold include its specific location in Tyler, offering a different regional context than schools in more rural settings. However, a significant disadvantage for Texas College, when compared to some peers, is its notably low graduation rate (12.2%) and a concerningly low median earnings figure ($33,752) with a negative ROI score. Other similar institutions, while also facing challenges, may present slightly better outcomes in terms of student completion or post-graduation financial success. The limited public data on specific recruitment and career outcomes for Texas College also makes direct comparison difficult, potentially putting it at a disadvantage in demonstrating clear value to prospective students compared to peers with more robust outcome reporting.

Employer perception of a degree from Texas College is likely influenced by its status as a smaller, private, historically Black institution. Employers in the East Texas region, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare, may have familiarity with Texas College graduates and recognize their contributions. Local school districts and healthcare providers are likely to value the practical skills and community focus that graduates from Texas College often bring. However, outside of this immediate geographic area or in highly competitive national industries, the brand recognition of Texas College may be limited. The low median earnings and ROI score suggest that employers, on average, may not be offering significantly high starting salaries to graduates, which could reflect a perception of the degree's market value in terms of earning potential. While employers value dedication and foundational knowledge, the lack of widespread name recognition for Texas College might mean that graduates need to work harder to differentiate themselves through internships, skills, and networking, especially when competing against alumni from larger or more widely known universities.