Best Community Colleges in El Paso: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
March 26, 2026
Compare El Paso community colleges with real tuition, earnings, and program data.
Why Community College in El Paso?
El Paso's community colleges offer an affordable launchpad for higher education and career training. With tuition well below four-year university rates and transfer agreements with state universities, the 2+2 path (2 years at CC, 2 at university) can save thousands while putting you on the same career trajectory.
Community Colleges in El Paso
El Paso Community College (El Paso)
Tuition: $3,274/year | Enrollment: 22,893 | 6-year earnings: $28,765
Nursing ADN graduates earn $58,353/year.
Western Technical College (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 1,148 | 6-year earnings: $35,035
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 667 | 6-year earnings: $37,302
Western Technical College (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 619 | 6-year earnings: $35,035
Milan Institute of Cosmetology-El Paso (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 407 | 6-year earnings: $18,829
Tri-State Cosmetology Institute (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 147 | 6-year earnings: $17,832
CET-El Paso (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 74 | 6-year earnings: $33,264
Pipo Academy of Hair Design (El Paso)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 11
How to Choose
| Priority | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest tuition | El Paso Community College ($3,274/yr) |
| Best earnings outcome | Pima Medical Institute-El Paso ($37,302 at 6yrs) |
| Nursing | Check which schools offer ADN programs with clinical rotations |
| Transfer | Look for schools with articulation agreements to your target university |
Transfer Pathways
Check with your target university for specific transfer agreements. Most Texas public universities accept credits from in-state community colleges through statewide articulation agreements. Complete your general education core at a CC and transfer as a junior to save significantly on your bachelor's degree.
Financial Aid
- Federal Pell Grant — up to $7,395/year, often exceeds full CC tuition
- Texas state grants — check your state's financial aid office for resident programs
- Institutional scholarships — many CCs offer merit and need-based scholarships
- Workforce development grants — available for high-demand programs like nursing and skilled trades
Next Steps
Compare El Paso community colleges on GradeToGrad — see tuition, programs, and transfer rates.
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