At $10,875/yr net price, Big Bend Community College graduates earn $43,814/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,814/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,875 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,814/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,814/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,166 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,385/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,043/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,029/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,906/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,407/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at Big Bend Community 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
Big Bend Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but the numbers reveal stark differences between programs. At $10,875 per year, your costs stay manageable compared to four-year institutions, and the $9,166 median debt load won't crush your budget after graduation.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $65,424 in median earnings that justify the investment many times over. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn $31,314, providing decent returns for students entering skilled trades. Liberal arts students face tougher financial prospects with earnings of just $21,964, though their lower debt of $7,213 softens the blow.
The 36.7% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. If you don't complete your program, you lose both time and money without gaining credentials. This makes program selection and your commitment level important factors in determining whether Big Bend pays off financially.
Big Bend works best for students with clear career goals in nursing or trades who can handle the completion challenge. The low percentage receiving aid (29.44%) suggests limited financial assistance, so you'll likely pay close to full price. Students seeking broad liberal arts education or those uncertain about finishing should consider whether the financial risk aligns with their goals.
Your location in central Washington provides access to healthcare systems and agricultural operations that employ Big Bend graduates, but career mobility may require relocating to larger metropolitan areas where wages typically run higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Bend Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Big Bend Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $10,875 per year and modest debt of $9,166. However, the 37% graduation rate and $43,814 median earnings suggest mixed returns depending on your program choice.
Which Big Bend Community College programs have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Big Bend Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $65,424 annually. Vehicle maintenance programs also show solid earnings at $31,314, while liberal arts graduates average just $21,964.
What is the job market like for Big Bend Community College graduates?
Big Bend Community College graduates in healthcare and technical fields find better job prospects in Washington state. The nursing shortage helps nursing graduates, but general studies majors face limited opportunities with below-average wages.
How much debt do Big Bend Community College students typically graduate with?
Big Bend Community College students graduate with a median debt of $9,166, which is manageable for most programs. The low debt load makes even lower-paying programs financially viable compared to four-year alternatives.