- The purpose of El Centro College is to provide Freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences, Workforce education programs leading to associate degrees or certificates, Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural enrichment, Workforce development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs, Education programs, Ongoing counseling and guidance, Adult literacy and other basic skills programs and other purposes as may be prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or local governing boards in the best interest of postsecondary education in Texas.
School Highlights
Dallas College serves 69,749 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 41:1 is higher than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 69,749 students
- In-state tuition: $3,015
- Out-state tuition: $4,695
- Student-teacher ratio: 41:1
- Minority enrollment: 84%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Dallas College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,713 teachers has grown by 203% over five years.
Dallas College
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1965
Total Faculty
1,713 staff
73 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Dallas College has declined by 6% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 41:1 has increased from 23:1 over five years.
The Dallas College diversity score of 0.71 is more than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
69,749 students
4,254 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
41:1
34:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
18,396 students
902 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
51,353 students
3,352 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
69,749 students
1,360 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
18,396 students
869 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
51,353 students
3,370 students
% Asian
9%
6%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
46%
47%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
20%
13%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
16%
25%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
1%
2%
% Non Resident races
3%
2%
% Unknown races
4%
5%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.69
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
100%
54%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
35%
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,900
$33,900
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,015 is less than the state average of $3,345. The in-state tuition has declined by 25% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,695 is less than the state average of $5,806. The out-state tuition has declined by 21% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,015
$3,345
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,695
$5,806
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
78%
88%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,750
$10,630
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- El Centro, a college of the Dallas County Community College District, is centrally located in downtown Dallas and has played a vital role in the area's educational advancement since 1966. El Centro's central location allows students from all parts of Dallas County to take advantage of preprofessional courses transferable to four-year institutions, as well as career training in over 50 exciting fields. The campus has gained international attention for making use of a nine-story, turn-of-the-century department store, renovated to accommodate classrooms, laboratories, computer technology, student center, learning center, performance hall and administrative offices, as well as labs, arts facilities and library. Our new student and technology center, on the south side of the campus, adds a spacious student center, technology classrooms and a new main entrance to the college's downtown setting. The college offers Degrees/Certificates in Arts & Science, Business & Public Service, Communications & Math, Health & Legal Studies, Information Technology Programs & Systems Support and Urban Education. El Centro College is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dallas College cost?
Dallas College's tuition is approximately $3,015 for In-State students and $4,695 for Out-State students.
What is Dallas College's ranking?
Dallas College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Dallas College located?
Dallas College is located in the Cedars neighborhood of Dallas, TX.
Recent Articles
Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Learn how to evaluate licensure pass rates before enrolling in community college career programs, compare exam results, identify warning signs, and choose training that supports professional licensing and employment goals.
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
A college course may transfer without counting toward your major. Learn how to check degree requirements, identify elective credits, avoid graduation delays, and protect your community college transfer plan.
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Should you transfer with 45 credits, 60 credits, or an associate degree? Compare university requirements, tuition savings, graduation timelines, and transfer benefits to choose the best path for your goals.
