Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,814
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,166
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $97/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,424 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,314 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 | $7,213 |
Outcomes Overview
Big Bend graduates earn a median of $43,814 ten years after graduation, while carrying just $9,166 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $97 represent only 2.7% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 91.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Columbia Basin's agricultural and healthcare sectors. Many graduates find work in food processing, renewable energy projects, and regional medical facilities that value the college's technical training programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 compared to the national average of 0.37 for community colleges, Big Bend delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.