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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median debt at graduation stays under $12,000, so you are not walking away with a heavy loan burden. But the 22% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most: fewer than one in four students finish, and if you drop out with debt and no credential, the math turns against you fast.
The program spread here is wide. Environmental Control Technologies pays roughly $56,000, well above the school's median and enough to justify the cost outright. Industrial Production and Vehicle Maintenance land in the low-to-mid $30,000s, which cover your costs but leave less room. Allied Health and Medical Assisting sit at the bottom near $29,000, barely above the school's own median earnings floor. These are all associate-level and certificate outcomes, so your return comes from the trade skill, not a four-year degree.
The clearest financial risk is finishing. With a low completion rate, the biggest threat to your ROI is paying for credits you never turn into a credential. Pick a hands-on technical program with a direct job path and treat completion as the goal.
On price, the net cost actually drops for families earning $48,000 to $75,000, who pay under $5,000 a year. If you earn under $48,000 or over $75,000, expect to pay $8,000 to $11,000 annually, so the middle tier gets the best deal here.
This school fits you if you want a low-debt trade credential, especially in environmental or industrial technology. If you want a transfer path to a bachelor's or a general degree without a clear job target, look harder at the completion odds first.
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.