Trinity Valley Community College
Trinity Valley Community College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Trinity Valley Community College at a Glance
Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) is a public community college based in Athens, Texas. It has six campuses serving five counties across the southeast and eastern parts of the state.
1946
80 years old
5,426
Identity
Is Trinity Valley Community College Worth It?
Trinity Valley Community College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $4,092/year, it's priced 80% below average, while graduates go on to earn $38,567 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 26% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Trinity Valley Community College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #25 of 174 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #25 | Trinity Valley Community College | 60 | $4,092 | $38,567 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Trinity Valley Community College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in TX.
Best Programs at Trinity Valley Community College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Trinity Valley Community College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $4,092/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Athens, TX
- Student Body
- 5,655 students
- Graduation Rate
- 26%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $4,092
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,567
- Median Student Debt
- $10,426