At $4,971/yr net price, Bellingham Technical College graduates earn $49,748/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,748/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,971 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,884 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,748/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,748/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,459 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,121/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,945/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,399/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,503/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,885/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $116,679 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $74,953 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $56,114 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,363 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $31,851 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,816 |
The Risk Factor
45.5% of students at Bellingham Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bellingham Technical College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with several technical majors offering earnings that justify the modest investment. The $4,971 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable pathways to middle-class careers in Washington state.
Heavy equipment maintenance leads earnings at $116,679 annually, more than double the overall median of $49,748. Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn $74,953, while nursing graduates typically see $63,005. These programs provide clear ROI with the low debt load of $17,459 median upon graduation.
Vehicle maintenance presents a financial risk, generating only $37,363 in median earnings despite requiring the same time investment as higher-paying technical programs. You should avoid this major if maximizing income is your priority.
The 45% graduation rate signals completion challenges you'll need to handle. Many students struggle to finish, which eliminates any financial benefit from enrollment. Success here requires strong self-discipline and clear career focus.
This school works best if you want hands-on technical training leading directly to employment in manufacturing, healthcare, or industrial maintenance. The Bellingham location provides access to Boeing suppliers, refineries, and healthcare systems that actively hire graduates from top-earning programs.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without borrowing. You'll find limited merit scholarships, but the base cost already beats most alternatives for technical training.
Skip Bellingham Technical if you're uncertain about technical careers or considering four-year transfer options. The specialized focus leaves little flexibility for career changes, making this a poor choice for exploratory students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham Technical College worth the cost?
Yes, for most students. At $4,971 per year with median debt of only $17,459, the low cost makes it a solid investment even though graduation rates are under 50%.
Which Bellingham Technical College programs have the best ROI?
Heavy equipment maintenance leads with $116,679 average earnings, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $74,953. These technical programs significantly outpace the school's overall average of $49,748.
How much debt do Bellingham Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $17,459, which is manageable compared to most colleges. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, so completion risk is a bigger concern than debt levels.
What are the career outcomes for Bellingham Technical College graduates?
Graduates earn an average of $49,748 ten years after enrollment. This varies dramatically by program, with some technical trades earning over $100,000 while others stay closer to $40,000.