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 gives you a low-debt path with a modest payoff. You leave with a median debt of $6,368, one of the lowest figures you'll find at a four-year public school, and that changes the math on almost everything else. Even at a $54,133 median earning ten years out, a debt load that small won't weigh you down. The return here isn't about high salaries. It's about spending little to get a middling one.
The net price of $12,612 a year is the real cost driver, not loans. What you pay depends heavily on your family income, and the pattern is unusual. If your family earns under $30k, you pay less than a family in the $48-75k band, and the price climbs steeply as income rises, hitting $19,000 for families over $110k. If your household sits in the middle or above, budget for the sticker to land higher than the average suggests.
The clearest risk is the 41.2% graduation rate. Fewer than half of students finish, and if you don't graduate, you get the debt and the net price without the degree that justifies them. The low earnings ceiling matters too: $54,133 is fine, but it won't stretch far against Bothell-area and greater Seattle housing costs.
This school fits you if you want to keep costs and borrowing low, you're confident you'll finish, and you plan to transfer or move into a field where the credential matters more than the starting salary. Look elsewhere if you need a high salary out of the gate to justify the spend, or if your family income puts you in the upper net-price tiers without aid to offset it.
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.