College of the Mainland
Out-of-state tuition
$4,140
In-state $3,450
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,127
Student-faculty ratio 18:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
College of the Mainland (COM) is a prominent community college located in Texas, United States. Established in 1966, it serves the residents of Galveston County and the surrounding areas, offering a wide range of academic and vocational programs. One of the most notable features of COM is its commitment to accessibility and affordability. The college provides an array of financial aid options, ensuring that higher education is within reach for students from diverse backgrounds. This dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment significantly contributes to the college's vibrant community.
The college is known for its strong emphasis on student success, which is reflected in its supportive faculty and staff. With a student-to-faculty ratio that encourages personalized attention, students benefit from a collaborative learning atmosphere. COM also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories that enhance the educational experience. The college offers a variety of programs, including transfer degrees that allow students to continue their education at four-year institutions, as well as technical certifications that prepare them for immediate employment. Beyond academics, COM promotes a rich campus culture, with various student organizations and activities that encourage engagement and personal development. Overall, College of the Mainland stands out as a valuable institution that prioritizes education, community involvement, and student achievement.
Key Observations on College of the Mainland Data
The data from College of the Mainland reveals several significant trends that merit discussion, particularly concerning tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and gender ratios among students.
Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has remained remarkably stable at $2,973 from 2015 to 2024, while out-of-state tuition has consistently been $3,873 during the same period. This stability in tuition is noteworthy, especially in an era where many institutions are increasing fees to cope with funding challenges. However, the rising room and board costs, which increased from $11,330 in 2014 to $6,056 in 2024, highlight the growing financial burden on students.
Student enrollment figures indicate a positive upward trend, with undergraduate enrollment increasing from 4,010 in 2013 to 4,482 in 2023. This nearly 12% increase suggests that the institution is becoming more attractive to potential students, possibly due to its affordability and the stability of its tuition rates.
The graduation rates have shown a steady improvement over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from 1.6% in 2013 to 15.5% in 2021. This upward trend signifies the institution's enhanced support systems and academic programs aimed at improving student success. Meanwhile, the retention rate, which reached around 66% in 2020, indicates that a majority of students are choosing to continue their education at the same institution, reflecting a growing sense of community and student satisfaction.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shown some fluctuations, with the percentage of female students increasing from approximately 58.5% in 2014 to about 60.9% in 2023. This shift towards a more balanced gender representation is significant, as it reflects changing societal norms and possibly the institution's initiatives to attract a diverse student body.
In summary, College of the Mainland is experiencing positive trends in student enrollment and graduation rates while maintaining stable tuition costs, although rising room and board expenses present a financial challenge. The institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is also evident in its gender ratio dynamics. These factors combined suggest that College of the Mainland is on a promising trajectory, adapting to the needs of its student population effectively.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Houston, about 35 mi
- Nearest international airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), about 45 mi
- Also known as
- COM
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Helen Brewer (President)
- Phone
- 4099381211
- City
- Texas City, Texas
- Address
- 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City, TX 77591-2499
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at College of the Mainland
The graduation data from College of the Mainland in 2023 reveals notable trends, particularly in the fields of associate degrees. The most significant number of graduates, totaling 265, were awarded associate degrees in General Studies, indicating a strong interest in foundational education that may lead to further studies or diverse career paths. This aligns with national trends where community colleges often serve as critical gateways for students pursuing higher education.
In contrast, there were no bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees awarded in any discipline, which raises questions about the college's academic offerings at these levels. This absence of higher degree graduates could suggest a focus on vocational training or an indication of limited resources for upper-level programs. The lack of international students graduating in the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate categories reflects a potential area for growth, especially as educational institutions worldwide increasingly attract global talent.
Moreover, the healthcare-related programs, particularly Registered Nursing, produced 74 associate degree graduates. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing healthcare workforce challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise, and institutions like College of the Mainland are pivotal in addressing this gap.
Overall, the data highlights the college's strengths in associate degree programs while pointing to areas for potential development in higher educational offerings. Engaging more international students and expanding bachelor's programs may enhance the institution's educational landscape and better serve the community's evolving needs.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $36,350 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | $38,841 | ||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | $27,866 | ||
| Pharmacy Technician/Assistant. | $27,866 | ||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $82,157 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technology/Technician. | $70,572 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | ||
| Accounting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | ||
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | ||
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - | ||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | - | ||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | - | ||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $57,579 | ||
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | $40,955 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor. | $23,112 |
Students
5,127 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63
- Continuing undergraduates 2,089
- First-year undergraduates 605
- Transfers and others 2,433
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,127)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at College of the Mainland in 2023
The student demographics at College of the Mainland in 2023 reveal a diverse and evolving educational landscape. The total enrollment comprises undergraduate freshmen, continuing students, transfer students, and graduate students, with a total of 4,482 students. Notably, the undergraduate freshmen represent 19.6% of the total student body, while continuing students constitute a significant 44.3%.
The gender distribution among these groups shows interesting trends. Freshmen have a relatively balanced gender ratio, with 46.3% male and 53.7% female students. In contrast, continuing students display a stark gender imbalance, with only 35% of them identifying as male, indicating a growing female presence in higher education. Transfer students also reflect a similar trend, with 34.2% male and 65.8% female representation. The graduate student demographic is less defined in terms of gender ratios, but the overall trend points toward an increasing female representation in higher education across all levels.
When examining racial and ethnic backgrounds among students, the data suggests a variety of cultural identities, although specifics are not fully disclosed. The underlying trends indicate a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the student body, which aligns with broader national movements toward equitable representation in educational institutions.
Overall, these trends highlight the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, particularly as the demographic composition continues to shift. Addressing the needs of a diverse student population will be crucial for the College of the Mainland as it moves forward, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at College of the Mainland
The age distribution of students at the College of the Mainland reveals some interesting insights into the demographic structure of the institution. The data shows a significant concentration of students under the age of 25, with the majority being younger than 24 years old. Specifically, students below 18 years old account for approximately 40% of the total student population, while those aged 18-19 make up around 43%. This suggests that the college serves a large number of traditional college-age students, which is consistent with trends observed in community colleges across the United States.
Notably, as the age increases, there is a marked decline in the number of students. For instance, only about 11% of students fall within the 25-29 age range, and this number continues to decrease for older age brackets. This trend could indicate that older students may face more challenges in pursuing higher education, such as balancing work and family responsibilities, which is a common barrier reported in educational studies.
Additionally, the data shows a stark absence of graduate male students, indicating that the institution may not be attracting or catering to this demographic effectively. This lack of representation could have implications for program development and outreach initiatives aimed at fostering a more diverse student body.
Overall, the data highlights the importance of understanding age demographics in shaping educational strategies and resources, ensuring that all age groups feel supported and have access to educational opportunities.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
7 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at College of the Mainland
The data regarding international students at College of the Mainland reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate population. In the early 2000s, the percentage of international students was quite low, peaking at only 0.45% in 2017, which marked a notable increase compared to previous years. This surge could be attributed to various factors, including improved recruitment efforts or shifting global trends in higher education.
However, following this peak, the percentage of international students once again declined, with only 0.11% in 2023. This downward trend raises questions about the college's international outreach and the broader implications of global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted international travel and education.
To put this in perspective, many U.S. colleges and universities have reported challenges in maintaining their international student populations due to visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, it will be crucial for institutions like College of the Mainland to adapt their strategies to attract and support international students effectively.
Overall, the data highlights the importance of fostering a diverse educational environment, as international students contribute significantly to the cultural and academic richness of the campus. Moving forward, it will be essential for the college to explore new avenues for recruitment and support to reverse the declining trend observed in recent years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$10,376
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $4,140
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,450
- Room and board
- $6,236
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 7% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 10%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$77.4M
Expenses$64.6M
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 HoustonHouston · 30.5 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Rice UniversityHouston · 32.9 mi
U.S. News #16
-
University of St. Thomas (TX)Houston · 33.4 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station · 116.3 mi
U.S. News #59
-
The University of Texas at AustinAustin · 175.2 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos · 180.0 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown · 181.0 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Baylor UniversityWaco · 195.1 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Trinity UniversitySan Antonio · 209.6 mi
Liberal Arts #38
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the College of the Mainland:
-
Rice University - Ranked 17th in the 2024 US News rankings, Rice University is a prestigious private research university located in Houston, Texas. Known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and the humanities, it offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life.
-
University of Houston - With a ranking of 133, the University of Houston is a major public research university. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its innovation and commitment to research.
-
Texas A & M University-College Station - Ranked 47th, Texas A&M University is a public research university known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs. It has a rich tradition and a large campus that fosters a close-knit community.
-
The University of Texas at Austin - This university is ranked 32nd and is one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States. It offers a wide array of programs and is known for its vibrant campus culture and academic excellence.
-
Baylor University - Ranked 93rd, Baylor University is a private Christian university located in Waco, Texas. It is known for its strong programs in law, business, and health sciences, along with a commitment to integrating faith and learning.
These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence.
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 College of the Mainland
The crime statistics from College of the Mainland reveal fluctuations in the crime rate over the years, with a notable spike in 2016 where the average rate per 1000 students reached an alarming 10.72. This peak is concerning, indicating a significant escalation in crime, particularly when compared to other years in the dataset. The data shows a variety of crime types, including gun arrests and drug-related offenses, which could reflect broader societal issues affecting college campuses.
In subsequent years, the crime rate appeared to stabilize, with a dramatic decrease in offenses reported in 2017, where the average dropped to 0.25. This could suggest effective crime prevention measures or changes in campus policies that may have contributed to a safer environment for students. However, the data from 2018 onwards indicates a gradual increase in crime rates, albeit at lower averages compared to 2016.
It is essential to consider these statistics within the context of national trends in campus safety and crime. Many colleges face similar challenges, and the response to such incidents can significantly impact student perception of safety.
Furthermore, the low crime rates in recent years (2022-2023) could be seen as a positive development, indicating that the institution may be successfully managing campus safety. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are crucial in ensuring a secure environment for students. As crime rates can influence prospective students' decisions, maintaining low crime levels should remain a priority for the college administration.
For more information on calculating crime rates, please visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.