At $4,176/yr net price, Bates Technical College graduates earn $50,051/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,051/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,176 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,051/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,051/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,340/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,319/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,006/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,572/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,718/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
29.9% of students at Bates Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bates Technical College delivers strong financial returns despite concerning completion rates. At $4,176 annually, you pay less than most community colleges while accessing programs that lead to solid middle-class earnings in the Puget Sound region.
Ground Transportation programs offer the best return, with graduates earning $48,432 within ten years. This reflects strong demand for skilled mechanics and transportation technicians in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Practical Nursing graduates earn $42,682, positioning you well in Washington's healthcare job market. Dental Support Services trails at $33,993, though this still represents reasonable value given the low tuition cost.
The major financial risk lies in completion. Only 30% of students finish their programs, meaning seven out of ten students pay tuition without earning credentials. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this school may not justify even its modest costs.
Financial aid covers few students here, with less than 9% receiving assistance. This suggests most students pay out of pocket or through employer sponsorship. The low sticker price makes Bates accessible without significant borrowing for most Washington residents.
You should consider Bates if you want specific technical training, can handle independent learning, and plan to work in the Puget Sound area. The school works best for career changers with clear goals and sufficient self-motivation. Avoid Bates if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or lack certainty about your career direction. The low completion rate makes this a poor choice for undecided students or those requiring significant guidance to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bates Technical College worth the cost?
Bates Technical College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,176 per year and graduates earning $50,051 annually after 10 years. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI.
Which programs at Bates Technical College have the best job prospects?
Ground Transportation programs lead earnings at $48,432 annually, followed by Practical Nursing at $42,682. Dental Support programs earn less at $33,993 but still provide reasonable returns given the school's low cost.
What is the graduation rate at Bates Technical College?
Only 30% of students graduate from Bates Technical College. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.
How much debt do Bates Technical College graduates typically have?
With a net price of $4,176 per year, students can potentially graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs quickly. The bigger financial risk comes from not graduating at all, given the school's 30% completion rate.