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 gives you a low-cost path with modest earnings on the other side. At $7,600 a year in net price, your total cost stays well under what you'd pay at most four-year schools, and median earnings of $43,140 ten years out mean the math works if you keep your borrowing small. This is a value play, not a high-return one.
The 45.8% graduation rate is the risk you have to weigh. More than half of students who start here don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low net price stops protecting you. Enroll only if you have a realistic plan to complete, because the whole ROI case here depends on you actually walking away with the degree.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to say which majors at Centralia pay off and which don't. Treat the $43,140 median as a blended figure across many programs, and dig into the specific field you're considering before you commit.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: if your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay about $10,081, more than families earning over $110,000, who pay roughly $8,039. Middle-income families get the worst deal here, so if you land in that band, run your own aid numbers early and don't assume you'll pay less than wealthier applicants.
Centralia is a good fit if you're cost-sensitive, live in the region, and are confident you'll finish. If you want strong earnings power or need a school that carries most students to graduation, look elsewhere.
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.