At $7,600/yr net price, Centralia College graduates earn $43,140/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,140/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,600 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,140/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,140/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,196/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,525/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,081/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,045/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,039/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 | $65,821 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
45.8% of students at Centralia 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
Centralia College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $43,140 ten years after enrollment falling well below what you need to justify even its low $7,600 annual cost. The 46% graduation rate means over half of students leave without completing their programs.
Nursing stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, with graduates earning $65,821 annually. This salary can easily support the modest debt load and provides strong long-term earning potential in Washington's healthcare market. Criminal justice graduates earn just $32,925, barely above minimum wage for full-time work, while allied health programs lead to even lower wages at $29,685.
Your biggest risk at Centralia is program completion. With fewer than half of students graduating, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The rural location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban community colleges, particularly outside healthcare.
Centralia makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can complete the program successfully. The low sticker price reduces your risk, and nursing jobs remain plentiful in southwestern Washington. Skip this school if you want criminal justice, business, or liberal arts programs where you will earn too little to justify the time investment.
Only 21% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay the full $7,600. This low aid rate may indicate limited scholarship opportunities, but the affordable base price keeps total costs manageable for most families without significant borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centralia College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Centralia College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,600 per year and graduates earning $43,140 annually after 10 years. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Centralia College?
Registered Nursing graduates from Centralia College earn around $65,821 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Criminal Justice graduates earn significantly less at $32,925, while Allied Health programs average $29,685.
How much debt will I have after graduating from Centralia College?
With a net price of $7,600 per year, Centralia College keeps costs relatively low for a two-year program. Most students can complete their degree for under $16,000 total if they finish on time.
Does Centralia College have good job placement after graduation?
Centralia College graduates in nursing programs see strong earning potential at $65,821 annually. Other programs like Criminal Justice and Allied Health offer lower returns, with graduates earning in the $30,000 range.