Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 22.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,968
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,822
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $136/mo
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 | $71,734 | $15,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Associate | $64,493 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $62,508 | $10,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,896 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,381 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $27,476 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $27,476 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $26,353 |
Outcomes Overview
Chemeketa graduates earn a median of $40,968 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $12,822. That creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 31 percent. Monthly loan payments of $136 represent just 4 percent of median income, well below the recommended 10 percent threshold. The college's strong ties to healthcare, manufacturing, and trades in the Salem area help explain the 92.6 percent employment rate. Many graduates enter nursing, automotive technology, and welding programs that lead directly to middle-class careers. The 22 percent graduation rate reflects the community college model where many students transfer or complete certificates rather than degrees. For career-focused students, Chemeketa delivers a strong return on investment.