At $8,457/yr net price, Chemeketa Community College graduates earn $40,968/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,968/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,457 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,968/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,968/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,822 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,562/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,162/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,960/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,806/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,741/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 | $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 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
22.2% of students at Chemeketa 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
Chemeketa Community College offers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The school's nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $71,734 annually against just $15,000 in debt. Allied health programs also perform well at $62,508 in earnings with only $10,500 in debt.
The trade programs present mixed results. Electrical engineering technology graduates earn $64,493, while precision metalworking and drafting programs hover around $40,000-$41,000. These technical fields align well with Oregon's manufacturing and construction sectors, giving you solid regional job prospects.
The school's 22% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you face debt without the earning power to justify it. The low completion rate suggests you need strong academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here.
Chemeketa works best if you're entering a high-earning program like nursing or allied health, or if you're using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school. The $8,457 annual cost keeps debt manageable compared to universities. With only 34% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited, but the base price remains reasonable.
Avoid Chemeketa if you're undecided about your major or considering lower-earning programs. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings in many fields creates poor financial outcomes. You're better served at this school with a clear career path in healthcare or skilled trades rather than exploring general education options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chemeketa Community College worth the money?
Chemeketa Community College offers decent value with low debt ($12,822) and strong earnings in nursing and engineering programs that pay $60,000-$71,000 annually. However, the 22% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Chemeketa Community College?
Nursing programs at Chemeketa lead earnings at $71,734 annually, followed by electrical engineering at $64,493 and allied health at $62,508. Avoid general programs since specialized technical training drives the strong ROI here.
How much debt do Chemeketa Community College graduates have?
Chemeketa graduates carry relatively low debt at $12,822, well below national averages for community colleges. The annual net price of $8,457 keeps costs manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Chemeketa Community College?
Only 22% of students graduate from Chemeketa Community College, which is low even for community colleges. This suggests many students struggle to complete programs or transfer before finishing.