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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest but real payoff. Net price sits under $11,000 a year, and typical debt at graduation lands around $9,000. That debt is low enough that even the $43,814 median earnings ten years out clears it without trouble. The financial risk here is not debt. It's completion.
A graduation rate under 37% is the number that should worry you. If you finish, the math works: your borrowing is small and your earnings cover it. If you leave partway through, you carry cost without the credential that justifies it. Roughly two of every three students who start do not finish on the timeline measured here, so your personal odds of finishing are the single biggest factor in whether this school pays off for you.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so treat any specific program's earnings claim with caution and ask the school directly before you commit to a major. Big Bend serves the agricultural Columbia Basin around Moses Lake, and the low sticker price fits a plan built around transfer to a four-year school or entry into local trades and technical work.
On price by income: the tiers stay flat and cheap until you cross $48k, then climb. Under $30k, you pay about $9,385. over $110k, you pay $18,407, nearly double. If your family earns under $48k, this is one of the cheaper paths available to you. If you earn over $110k, the discount thins out and you should compare it against schools with stronger completion and clearer program outcomes.
This school fits you if cost control and a transfer plan matter most, and if you are confident you will finish. Look elsewhere if you need a school that graduates most of its students.
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.