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 gives you strong odds on a small bet. At just under $5,000 a year net, your median debt at graduation stays below $18,000, and ten-year median earnings land near $50,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the kind of math that works out: you can pay off what you borrowed within a year of typical earnings.
The catch is the 45.5% graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish, and the ROI only holds if you do. If you drop out with debt and no credential, the low price stops protecting you. That completion risk is the single biggest threat to your return here, and it's on you to beat it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $2,100 a year, which turns this into one of the cheapest routes to a technical credential in Washington. Between $30,000 and $75,000, your price roughly triples to the $7,000 range. Above $110,000, you pay close to $15,000 a year, and at that point you should compare it against other regional options before committing.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat the $49,748 figure as a school-wide median, not a promise tied to any one field. Technical and healthcare programs in the Bellingham area tend to feed steady local demand, but the data doesn't break down which specific programs pay off, so ask the college for placement numbers by program before you enroll.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost, career-focused credential and you're confident you'll finish. It's a weaker fit if you're a higher-income family paying near the top tier, or if you're unsure about completing.
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.