At $8,236/yr net price, Clackamas Community College graduates earn $42,886/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,886/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,236 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,886/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,886/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,992 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,265/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,815/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,725/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,725/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,415 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,314 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $31,305 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,141 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,295 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,084 |
The Risk Factor
22.2% of students at Clackamas 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
Clackamas Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete their programs, with median earnings of $42,886 representing strong value against the $8,236 annual net price. The challenge lies in the 22% graduation rate, which means most students never reach these earnings levels.
Environmental Control Technologies stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $56,415 annually. This program targets Oregon's growing green energy sector and offers the best ROI on campus. Industrial Production Technologies follows at $35,416, serving the Portland metro area's manufacturing base. Vehicle maintenance and business support programs cluster around $31,000, providing decent returns for two-year degrees.
Allied Health programs earn less than expected at $29,141, below the state average for similar programs. If you're considering healthcare, compare carefully with other Oregon community colleges that may offer better outcomes in nursing or medical assisting.
The biggest financial risk is not finishing. With graduation rates this low, you need strong motivation and clear career goals before enrolling. The $11,992 median debt remains manageable, but only if you complete your program.
This school works best for career changers and working adults who can leverage the flexible scheduling while staying employed. Students straight from high school face higher dropout risk and should consider universities with better support systems. Only 24% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket, making completion even more critical for financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clackamas Community College worth the money?
At $8,236 per year, Clackamas Community College offers decent value for specific career programs like environmental technology, which leads to $56,415 average earnings. However, the 22% graduation rate is concerning and many programs result in below-average salaries.
What are the best paying programs at Clackamas Community College?
Environmental Control Technologies is the clear winner at Clackamas Community College, with graduates earning $56,415 annually. Industrial Production Technologies ($35,416) and automotive repair programs ($31,314) also provide reasonable returns on investment.
How much debt do Clackamas Community College students typically graduate with?
Students at Clackamas Community College graduate with a median debt of $11,992, which is manageable for higher-paying programs but risky for lower-earning fields like medical assisting ($29,141).
What is the graduation rate at Clackamas Community College and does it matter?
Only 22% of students graduate from Clackamas Community College, meaning most students either transfer or drop out without completing their program. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.