At $10,765/yr net price, Central Oregon Community College graduates earn $38,940/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,940/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,765 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,940/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,940/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,752/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,727/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,300/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,315/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,603/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 | $65,238 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $32,467 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,947 | $11,500 |
The Risk Factor
24.6% of students at Central Oregon 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
Central Oregon Community College delivers solid returns for specific career-focused programs but struggles with overall completion rates that undermine its financial value. The nursing program stands out with $65,238 median earnings against $20,000 in debt, creating a strong 3:1 earnings-to-debt ratio that pays off quickly in Bend's healthcare market.
Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $47,260 annually, positioning graduates for stable employment in the region's growing medical sector. However, accounting and health administration programs plateau at $38,289, barely exceeding the school's overall median earnings of $38,940.
The major financial risk here is the 24.6% graduation rate. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, making any investment risky regardless of potential earnings. This low completion rate suggests weak student support systems or unrealistic program expectations.
You should consider COCC if you can commit fully to nursing or allied health programs and have strong study habits to beat the completion odds. The $10,765 annual net price remains manageable, and only 24% of students need financial aid, indicating many can pay without borrowing.
Avoid COCC if you lack clear career direction or struggle with self-motivation. The low graduation rate means you could easily end up with debt but no credential. Students considering general education or exploratory programs face particularly poor odds of completing and seeing returns on their investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Oregon Community College worth the money?
Central Oregon Community College offers decent value for specific career programs, particularly nursing which leads to $65,238 median earnings. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $38,940 and 24.6% graduation rate indicate mixed results for many students.
What programs at Central Oregon Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs provide the strongest return at Central Oregon Community College, with graduates earning a median of $65,238 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $47,260, while general programs lag significantly behind.
How much debt do Central Oregon Community College graduates have?
Central Oregon Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs outside of healthcare.
What is the graduation rate at Central Oregon Community College?
Only 24.6% of students graduate from Central Oregon Community College within the typical timeframe. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, making the investment risky for those not committed to finishing their program.