Del Mar College
Out-of-state tuition
$6,050
In-state $5,000
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
10,256
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Del Mar College, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a vibrant community college that has been serving students since its establishment in 1935. Known for its commitment to accessible education, the college offers a wide range of programs and degrees, including associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. One of the distinguishing features of Del Mar College is its strong emphasis on workforce development, which equips students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in various industries, particularly in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The college prides itself on fostering a supportive environment where students can pursue their academic and career goals.
The campus culture at Del Mar College is enriched by its diverse student body and a variety of extracurricular activities. The college encourages student engagement through clubs, organizations, and events, enabling students to develop leadership skills and make lasting connections. Facilities such as modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas support both academic and social activities, creating a well-rounded college experience. Del Mar College also boasts a strong faculty with experienced educators dedicated to student success. With a focus on innovation and community involvement, Del Mar College continues to play a vital role in the educational landscape of South Texas, preparing students for successful futures and contributing positively to the local economy.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Del Mar College
Del Mar College has shown notable trends in several critical areas over recent years. One of the most significant observations is the increase in tuition fees. Between 2014 and 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $3,820 to $4,940, representing a 29.4% increase. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition surged from $4,860 to $6,050, a staggering 24.5% increase. This escalation in costs can be concerning for prospective students and their families, especially given the ongoing discussions around student debt and the affordability of higher education.
Another area of interest is the student population. From 2019 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students has decreased from 11,867 to 9,725, indicating a decline of approximately 18.1%. This drop may be attributed to various factors, including changing demographics, economic conditions, or competition from other institutions. Such a decline could potentially impact the college's funding and resource allocation.
Additionally, examining graduation rates reveals a concerning trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates in 2021 was only 4.1%, with a 15% graduation rate within 150% of the expected time. This low performance raises questions about the support systems in place for students and the overall effectiveness of academic programs.
Retention rates have fluctuated, peaking at 62.0% in 2016 and dropping to 50.3% in 2021. This volatility indicates challenges in keeping students engaged and enrolled, which could be linked to various factors such as academic support, financial hardship, or personal circumstances.
Overall, these metrics highlight the need for Del Mar College to address increasing tuition costs, declining enrollment, low graduation rates, and fluctuating retention rates. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the institution's future sustainability and reputation.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- McAllen, about 120 mi
- Nearest international airport
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 140 mi
- Also known as
- DMC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Mark Escamilla, Ph.D. (President)
- Phone
- 3616981200
- City
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Address
- 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Del Mar College
The graduation data from Del Mar College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees across various fields. Notably, the healthcare sector, particularly in Registered Nursing, stands out with a significant number of graduates. With 213 individuals earning an associate degree in Registered Nursing, this program not only highlights the demand for nursing professionals but also reflects the increasing emphasis on healthcare education in response to the global healthcare crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the other hand, programs such as Journalism and Legal Studies show minimal graduation numbers. For instance, only one student graduated with a degree in Journalism, which may signal a declining interest in traditional media careers or a shift towards digital and online platforms that may not require formal degrees. This aligns with trends in the media landscape where digital skills are increasingly prioritized.
Moreover, the data shows no international students graduating from any bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs, indicating a potential area for growth in attracting global talent. As educational institutions worldwide adapt to a more interconnected world, Del Mar College might consider strategies to enhance its appeal to international students, which could enrich the campus diversity and contribute to the global exchange of ideas.
Overall, the data underscores the prominence of certain fields while hinting at emerging trends and challenges in others, reflecting broader societal shifts and the evolving landscape of higher education.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $38,744 | ||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | $41,877 | ||
| Hotel/Motel Administration/Management. | - | ||
| Management Information Systems, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $33,570 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Chemical Technology/Technician. | $76,424-$77,027 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | $41,304 | ||
| Welding Technology/Welder. | $41,304 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $39,430-$53,903 | ||
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | $70,345 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | - | ||
| Instrumentation Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician. | $46,321 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development. | - | ||
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | ||
| Music Theory and Composition. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism. | - | ||
| Radio and Television. | - | ||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - | ||
| Advertising. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | ||
| Mechanical Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General. | - | ||
| Building/Property Maintenance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - | ||
| Court Reporting and Captioning/Court Reporter. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | ||
| Geology/Earth Science, General. | - | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef. | - | ||
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | - | ||
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | - | ||
| Music Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | - | ||
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | ||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | ||
| Rhetoric and Composition. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording Arts Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
10,256 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57
- Continuing undergraduates 8,407
- First-year undergraduates 308
- Transfers and others 1,541
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (10,256)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Del Mar College in 2023
The student population at Del Mar College in 2023 presents a diverse mix of undergraduate freshmen, continuing students, transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, undergraduate freshmen make up a significant portion of the college's demographic with 838 students, where females slightly outnumber males, accounting for 56.8% of this group. This trend of higher female enrollment is consistent across other categories, particularly among continuing students, where females comprise 58.7% of the 8,016 students.
In terms of racial and ethnic representation, the data indicates a varied composition within the student body. For instance, in the freshmen category, the majority of students are white, followed by Hispanic students. The continuing student group shows a similar trend, with a large number of white and Hispanic students as well. However, the transfer student demographic shows a slightly lower percentage of male students at 34.8%, which raises questions about the factors influencing this trend.
This demographic data at Del Mar College is reflective of broader national trends in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment. As institutions strive towards inclusivity, the diverse ethnic representation among students indicates a positive step towards creating a welcoming environment for all backgrounds. Overall, the statistics highlight the importance of understanding demographic trends to enhance student support services and academic programs tailored to the needs of a diverse student population.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Del Mar College in 2023
The student age composition at Del Mar College in 2023 presents a clear trend toward younger demographics, reflecting a common characteristic in many community colleges. A significant portion of the student body, approximately 49.6% (1998 out of 4020 students), is composed of students under 18 and those aged 18-19. This suggests that Del Mar College attracts a large number of recent high school graduates who are likely seeking to further their education in a more accessible environment.
As we move into older age brackets, the enrollment numbers decrease significantly. For instance, those aged 22-24 account for only 13.4% of the total student population, while students aged 25-29 make up around 10.7%. The trend continues as the figures drop for older age groups, with only a small fraction of students over the age of 50 (1.9%). This decline indicates potential barriers for older learners, such as financial commitments or family responsibilities, which may prevent them from pursuing higher education.
Another notable aspect is the absence of graduate male and female students across all age categories, which could point to limited graduate programs at the institution or a focus primarily on undergraduate education.
Overall, the data reflects a youthful student demographic, emphasizing the importance of community colleges in providing post-secondary education opportunities for young adults. This trend aligns with national statistics that show increasing enrollment rates among younger populations in community colleges, highlighting the role of these institutions in fostering educational advancement for the next generation.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
368 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Del Mar College
The data on international student enrollment at Del Mar College reveals significant fluctuations over the years. In 2004, the college had a total of 11,338 undergraduate students, with only 101 being international students, representing a mere 0.89% of the undergraduate population. This percentage shows a decline in later years, reaching a low of 0.11% in 2017, which raises concerns about the college's attractiveness to international students.
However, a notable resurgence occurred in 2011 when the percentage of international students spiked to 4.73%, indicating a potential increase in the college's appeal or recruitment efforts during that period. Despite this peak, the following years saw a dramatic drop in enrollment, with numbers plummeting back to below 1% for several consecutive years.
By 2023, the percentage of international students had climbed back to 2.07%, with 201 students among a total undergraduate population of 9,725. This suggests a positive trend and potential recovery in international student interest, likely influenced by global events and policies regarding education.
Overall, the data highlights the volatility of international enrollment at Del Mar College, which may reflect broader trends in higher education, including shifting perceptions of U.S. institutions, changes in visa regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, it will be critical for the college to implement strategies that foster a welcoming environment for international students to stabilize and enhance their enrollment figures.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$14,555
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $6,050
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,000
- Room and board
- $8,505
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 42%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$169M
Expenses$158M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Texas-Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg · 111.2 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Trinity UniversitySan Antonio · 134.3 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of Texas-San AntonioSan Antonio · 145.7 mi
U.S. News #227
-
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos · 150.4 mi
U.S. News #288
-
The University of Texas at AustinAustin · 175.2 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Rice UniversityHouston · 181.6 mi
U.S. News #16
-
University of St. Thomas (TX)Houston · 182.9 mi
U.S. News #202
-
University of HoustonHouston · 184.2 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown · 199.0 mi
Liberal Arts #91
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Del Mar College:
-
Rice University - Ranked 17th in the 2024 US News rankings, Rice University is a prestigious research university located in Houston, Texas. It is known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and liberal arts.
-
The University of Texas at Austin - This top-tier institution ranks 32nd in the 2024 US News rankings. UT Austin is renowned for its diverse programs, vibrant campus life, and significant contributions to research and innovation.
-
Trinity University - Ranked 59th, Trinity University is a private liberal arts college in San Antonio, Texas. It is well-regarded for its academic rigor and strong commitment to undergraduate education.
-
Southern Methodist University - With a ranking of 89, SMU is located in Dallas, Texas. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong business and law schools.
-
Texas A & M University-College Station - This large public research university ranks 47th. It has a strong focus on engineering, agriculture, and military sciences, making it one of the leading institutions in Texas.
-
Baylor University - Ranked 93rd, Baylor is a private Christian university located in Waco, Texas. It offers a comprehensive set of programs and is known for its strong community values and academic excellence.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their contributions to higher education in Texas.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Del Mar College
The crime data from Del Mar College over the past decade presents a fluctuating picture of campus safety. In 2013, the crime rate was relatively high at 0.56 incidents per 1,000 students, peaking in 2017 at 0.91. However, a notable decline is observed in the following years, culminating in the lowest recorded rate of 0.12 in 2022. This significant drop suggests effective measures may have been implemented to enhance campus security and student well-being.
The statistics show that different types of offenses have varied over the years. For instance, the number of arrests related to drug offenses and alcohol has seen fluctuations, indicating possible changes in student behavior or enforcement policies. Moreover, the absence of incidents such as sexual assault and domestic violence in recent years could reflect a positive trend in promoting a safer environment for students.
However, despite the positive trajectory reflected in the data, it is essential to remain vigilant. The nature of campus crime can be unpredictable, and slight increases in crime rates can occur due to various factors, including changes in campus policies or external societal influences.
As the college continues to evolve, ongoing efforts to maintain and improve campus safety will be crucial. Engaging students and the community in discussions on safety practices and support services can contribute to sustaining this decline in crime rates. For further insights into calculating crime rates, refer to this resource: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Del Mar College include Barbara Barrie (Actress and author, Oscar nominee), Pepe Serna (Actor and artist) and Solomon P. Ortiz (Former US Representative from Texas).
-
Barbara Barrie 1931–2026
Actress and author, Oscar nominee
-
Pepe Serna 1944–
Actor and artist
-
Solomon P. Ortiz 1937–
Former US Representative from Texas
-
Henry Cuesta 1931–2003
Clarinetist on The Lawrence Welk Show
-
Gloria Vaughn 1936–2020
Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
-
Raul Torres 1955–
CPA and former Texas House member
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.