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Public, 2-year

Panola College

Carthage, Texas · www.panola.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,232

In-state $4,080

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,691

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

40.8%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 42.1%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Panola College, located in Carthage, Texas, is a renowned institution that offers a comprehensive range of academic programs and services. Established in 1947, the college has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and community engagement. The college’s motto, "Success Starts Here," encapsulates its mission to provide students with the tools and support necessary to achieve their educational and career goals. The institution is particularly noted for its small class sizes, which facilitate personalized attention from faculty and foster a supportive learning environment.

The college offers various degrees and certifications across multiple disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, and health sciences. This diversity in programs ensures that students can find their passion and pursue their desired career paths. In addition to its academic offerings, Panola College emphasizes extracurricular activities, promoting a vibrant campus life through clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. The college's athletic teams, known as the Panola Ponies, compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association, providing opportunities for students to engage in sports while balancing their academic commitments. With a strong focus on community involvement and student development, Panola College continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of its students and the surrounding area.

Analysis of Tuition Trends, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from Panola College reveals significant trends in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $2,712 in 2014 to $3,960 in 2024, representing a growth of approximately 46%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has also risen from $3,432 to $5,064, indicating a 47% increase. This upward trend in tuition can put financial pressure on students and their families, potentially making higher education less accessible.

In terms of graduation rates, the statistics show an encouraging increase in the timely graduation rate of undergraduate students, which jumped from around 14% in 2013 to nearly 27% in 2023. This positive trend suggests improvements in academic support and student engagement initiatives that may help students successfully complete their degrees. The 150% graduation rate also saw an increase, reaching about 36.6% in 2023 from a mere 22.7% in 2013, reflecting a growing trend in student perseverance.

Retention rates have shown a remarkable improvement as well, climbing from approximately 44.5% in 2013 to 66.4% in 2023. This significant rise indicates that more students are continuing their education at Panola College from year to year, which could be attributed to enhanced support systems, student engagement, and the overall campus environment.

However, it is essential to consider that while tuition increases and improved graduation and retention rates are promising signs, the balance between affordability and educational quality remains critical. As tuition continues to rise, it is crucial for institutions to ensure that students are receiving the necessary support to succeed, both academically and financially. With the ongoing national dialogue around college affordability, Panola College's data underscores the need for continued attention to these issues in the higher education landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Dallas, about 150 mi
Nearest international airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), about 160 mi
Carthage, Texas
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Jessica Pace (President)
Phone
9036932000
City
Carthage, Texas
Address
1109 W Panola Street, Carthage, TX 75633-2397

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate4169 international (2.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
264
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
55
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
21
Occupational Therapist Assistant
21
Instrumentation Technology/Technician
11
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General
9
Secondary Education and Teaching
6
Medical/Clinical Assistant
5
Information Science/Studies
4
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
4

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Panola College in 2023

The graduation data from Panola College for 2023 reveals some notable trends and insights regarding the fields of study and the participation of international students. A striking observation is that there are no graduates reported for bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees across all disciplines, indicating a potential focus on associate degree programs. This could suggest that Panola College is primarily serving students who are seeking entry-level qualifications or those intending to transfer to four-year institutions.

Among the associate degrees, General Studies stands out with 224 graduates, making it the most popular program offered. This may reflect a growing trend where students are opting for broader educational pathways before specializing, which aligns with the increasing demand for versatile skill sets in the job market. Additionally, the Health-related fields, such as Occupational Therapist Assistant and Registered Nursing, also show a healthy number of graduates, with 23 and 56 respectively. This is particularly relevant as the healthcare sector continues to experience a demand for skilled professionals, especially in light of the global health challenges faced in recent years.

Interestingly, the data indicates that there are no international students graduating from any program, which raises questions about the college's outreach and recruitment strategies for international students. As the global education landscape becomes more competitive, institutions may need to enhance their appeal to attract a diverse student body.

Overall, the data hints at Panola College's strong emphasis on associate degrees, particularly in versatile and in-demand fields, while also highlighting areas for potential growth, such as international student enrollment and advanced degree offerings.

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

Liberal arts has 264 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
General Studies.-
Health professionshas 87 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Medical/Clinical Assistant.-
Occupational Therapist Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$68,691
Educationhas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Engineering technologieshas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Instrumentation Technology/Technician.-
Businesshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
General Office Occupations and Clerical Services.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Mechanic and repair has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Energy Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician.-
Visual and Performing artshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Music, General.-
Precision production has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-

Students

2,691 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67 · Freshman retention 58.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,691)

White
1,451 · 53.9%
Hispanic
611 · 22.7%
Black
446 · 16.6%
Two or more races
104 · 3.9%
Asian
31 · 1.2%
International
25 · 0.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
47.1%
18–19
20.5%
20–21
9.1%
22–24
6.2%
25 and over
17.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Panola College (2023)

The student population at Panola College in 2023 presents a diverse landscape, particularly in terms of gender distribution among various classifications. Among the incoming freshmen, the male-to-female ratio shows that 39.9% are male and a significant 60.1% are female, indicating a trend where female students are increasingly enrolling in undergraduate programs. This trend is mirrored in the continuing undergraduate students, where only 22.8% are male, and a striking 77.2% are female, further emphasizing the growing female presence in higher education.

In the transfer student category, the gender distribution also favors females, with 28.7% male and 71.3% female. This suggests that women are not only entering college at higher rates but are also transferring in greater numbers compared to their male counterparts.

Moreover, the overall number of students reflects a healthy enrollment, with 308 freshmen, 1,017 continuing students, and 164 transfer students. The total of 897 graduate students indicates a robust graduate program, although detailed demographic breakdowns for this group were not provided.

The ethnic composition of the student body, while not fully outlined in the data, hints at a variety of backgrounds, particularly among white, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students. The commitment to inclusivity in educational institutions remains a crucial topic, and Panola College appears to be contributing positively to this narrative.

Overall, the data from 2023 reveals a progressive shift towards a more gender-balanced educational environment, especially in undergraduate studies, which is a positive sign for the future of academia and society as a whole.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Panola College in 2023

The age distribution data from Panola College reveals interesting insights into the student body composition. A significant majority of students fall into the younger age categories, with the under 18 age group comprising the largest segment, accounting for approximately 43.7% of total students. This is indicative of the college's appeal to high school graduates who are transitioning into higher education.

In the 18-19 age bracket, students make up about 25.8% of the total, maintaining a strong presence in the college demographic. However, as we move into the older age categories, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, students aged 20-21 represent only 10.9%, while those aged 22-24 drop to 5.9%. This trend suggests a potential gap in retention or enrollment among students who are transitioning into their twenties, which could be explored further by the institution.

Additionally, data shows that there are no graduate male students enrolled, which raises questions about gender representation at the graduate level. The male population remains low across all age categories, with the total male students constituting only around 8.3% of the college’s overall enrollment.

Efforts to attract and retain a more diverse and older student population may be beneficial for the college. Engaging non-traditional students could enrich the academic experience and enhance the community within Panola College. Overall, the data paints a picture of a young institution primarily catering to traditional college-age students, with a notable absence of older and graduate learners.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.9%

25 in 2025 · 1.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.4%2017: 2.2%2018: 2.1%2019: 1.7%2020: 1.3%2021: 0.5%2022: 0.9%2023: 1.1%2024: 1.4%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Panola College

The data concerning international students at Panola College reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students increased from 1,682 to 2,386, reflecting a growth in the overall student body. However, the representation of international students among undergraduates has shown significant fluctuations. Initially, the percentage of international students was quite low, starting at 0.42% in 2004 and reaching a peak of 2.46% in 2015. This increase indicates a growing interest from international students in attending Panola College during that period.

However, the subsequent years witnessed a decline in international student enrollment, particularly in 2021, where the percentage dropped to 0.52%. This could be attributed to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global mobility and international education systems. The college's ability to recover in terms of attracting international students is shown in the slight increase to 1.09% in 2023.

The observed trends highlight the dynamic nature of international student enrollment and suggest that colleges like Panola must adapt their strategies to attract and retain international students. With the growing competition among institutions globally, understanding these patterns can help in crafting policies that enhance the international student experience, ensuring that they feel welcomed and supported throughout their academic journey. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it remains crucial for Panola College to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by international education.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$12,280

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,232
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,080
Room and board
$7,048
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 43% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 53%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$38.6M

Government grants and contracts
$28.4M73.5%
Tuition and fees
$3.5M9.1%
Investment return
$3.4M8.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.4M3.6%
Gifts and private grants
$1.0M2.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$22K0.1%
Other
$925K2.4%

Expenses$28.0M

Instruction
$9.2M32.7%
Institutional support
$3.6M12.8%
Academic support
$3.2M11.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.5M9.1%
Student services
$2.0M7.0%
Scholarships
$1.4M5.2%
Other
$6.1M21.7%

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.

All faculty
$59,694peers $68,588
Professor
$61,549peers $79,972
Instructor
$55,630peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA · Other
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball37-
Rodeo1814
Basketball1212
Volleyball-15
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball37-
Basketball1513
Rodeo1213
Volleyball-13
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball31-
Rodeo1513
Basketball1411
Volleyball-13

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Panola College:

  1. Sam Houston State University - Ranked 249th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Southern Methodist University - With a rank of 89, this private university is known for its strong emphasis on research and its vibrant campus life.

  3. The University of Texas at Dallas - Ranked 115th, this institution is recognized for its innovative research programs and strong engineering and business departments.

  4. Texas A & M University-College Station - A prestigious university ranked 47th, it is well-known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.

  5. Rice University - A highly respected institution, ranked 17th, Rice University is renowned for its commitment to research and its small student-to-faculty ratio, providing an intimate learning environment.

  6. The University of Texas at Austin - With a rank of 32, UT Austin is recognized for its extensive academic offerings and vibrant student life.

These universities offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region, making them excellent choices for higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
3
Dating violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Panola College

The crime statistics at Panola College over the years reveal an interesting trend in campus safety and student behavior. From 2013 to 2017, the average number of crimes per 1,000 students fluctuated significantly, peaking in 2013 with a rate of 3.72 and sharply declining to a low of 0.90 in 2017. This decline suggests that the college may have implemented effective safety measures or programs to address issues like gun-related arrests, drug-related offenses, and alcohol-related incidents.

However, 2020 and 2021 recorded a complete absence of reported incidents, which could indicate improved campus safety or possibly a reflection of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many students were not on campus. The numbers began to rise again in 2022 with an average of 2.03, followed by a slight drop to 0.42 in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining low crime rates.

Throughout the years, gun-related arrests and drug offenses remained the most notable categories, highlighting persistent issues that colleges face nationwide. The trends observed at Panola College resonate with broader discussions about campus safety in higher education, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance and community engagement to foster a secure environment for all students. Such data underscores the importance of comprehensive safety policies and educational programs that address the root causes of crime on campus.

For more on how crime rates are calculated, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Panola College include Chad Beck (Former MLB pitcher), Fabulous Flournoy (Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, former player) and Dexter Shouse (Former basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers).

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.