Degree Dividend
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Texas State Technical College vs McLennan Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Waco TX · vs · Public, Waco TX

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but McLennan Community College comes closer — median earnings $39,163 against a $10,102 total, vs $38,916 at Texas State Technical College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTexas State Technical CollegeMcLennan Community College
Net price / yr$13,508$5,051
Total net cost$54,032$10,102
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,916$39,163
Median debt$9,500$10,500
Payback
20-year net return-$242,912-$194,042

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College?

McLennan Community College, at $5,051 a year after aid versus $13,508 — a gap of $8,457 a year, or $43,930 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College graduates earn more?

McLennan Community College graduates report a median $39,163 ten years after entry, $247 more than the $38,916 at Texas State Technical College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College?

Texas State Technical College: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $10,500 at McLennan Community College, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at Texas State Technical College, against 39% at McLennan Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Texas State Technical College vs McLennan Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College a better value?
McLennan Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College?
McLennan Community College: $5,051/yr net price after aid versus $13,508/yr at Texas State Technical College — a difference of $8,457 a year, or about $43,930 over four years.
Do Texas State Technical College or McLennan Community College graduates earn more?
McLennan Community College graduates earn a median $39,163 ten years after entry, versus $38,916 at Texas State Technical College — a $247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.