At $12,612/yr net price, Cascadia College graduates earn $54,133/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,133/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,612 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,133/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,133/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,368 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,810/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,740/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,083/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,916/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,000/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,580 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Cascadia 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
Cascadia College offers one of the lowest-cost educations you'll find, but the financial returns are disappointing across the board. With median earnings of $54,133 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate barely above 40%, your investment faces significant headwinds.
The school's dominant Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning just $25,580 annually, which creates a troubling gap between educational investment and career outcomes. This represents one of the weakest major-specific returns in Washington state's community college system.
Your biggest financial risk here is the low completion rate. With only two in five students finishing their programs, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The median debt of $6,368 stays manageable, but only if you actually graduate.
Cascadia works financially for students who need rock-bottom tuition costs and plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing foundational coursework. The school serves as an affordable stepping stone rather than a final destination. You should avoid Cascadia if you're seeking strong career outcomes from a terminal degree or looking for programs that directly connect to high-paying regional jobs.
Financial aid appears limited, with fewer than 10% of students receiving assistance. This suggests most students pay the full net price, though that price remains among the lowest available. Your best cost strategy involves completing transferable credits quickly and moving to a university with stronger career placement records.
The Seattle-Bothell job market offers opportunities, but Cascadia's programs don't effectively connect you to them. Consider this school only if affordability trumps all other factors in your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cascadia College worth the cost compared to other Washington schools?
Cascadia College offers a relatively low net price at $12,612 per year, but graduates earn only $54,133 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 41% means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Cascadia College have the best return on investment?
Cascadia College's top programs are in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with graduates earning around $25,580. These earnings are quite low compared to the cost of attendance, making the financial return questionable for most students.
How much student debt do Cascadia College graduates typically have?
Cascadia College graduates have a median debt of $6,368, which is relatively low compared to four-year universities. However, the low post-graduation earnings may still make debt repayment challenging.
Should I attend Cascadia College or transfer to a four-year university?
Cascadia College works best as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university rather than as a final destination. The low graduation rate and modest earnings suggest completing a bachelor's degree elsewhere would likely provide better long-term financial outcomes.