At $9,826/yr net price, Clark College graduates earn $42,356/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,356/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,826 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,356/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,356/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,881 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,468/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,892/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,631/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,036/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 | $63,898 | $9,823 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $60,839 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $60,320 | $19,837 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,729 | $9,625 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $34,348 | |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,409 | $21,000 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Clark 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
Clark College keeps your costs low, and that is the strongest part of its financial picture. At under $10,000 a year in net price and median debt below $11,000, you are not taking on a heavy loan burden here. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out sit around $42,000, which is modest, and only about a third of students finish. That combination means the payoff depends heavily on whether you graduate and what you study.
The dental support and allied health program is the clear financial winner, with graduates earning roughly $18,000 a year more than the typical Clark student. That gap tells you where the money is. If you come here for a hands-on health credential that plugs into the Portland-Vancouver medical job market, the return works. The debt on that program runs higher than the school average, but the earnings more than cover it.
The biggest risk at Clark is not debt, it is completion. A 35.7% graduation rate means most students who enroll do not finish, and if you leave without the credential you still owe whatever you borrowed while earning nothing extra for it. Go in with a plan to finish a specific program, or the low price stops being a bargain.
On net price, families earning under $48,000 pay around $8,000 a year, which is manageable. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $16,000, roughly double, so the value proposition shifts if you are full-pay.
Clark is a good fit if you are cost-conscious, targeting a health or technical field, and committed to finishing. If you want a broad four-year degree with strong earnings across many majors, the outcomes data does not support that here, and you should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark College worth the cost?
Clark College offers solid value for career-focused programs, with a low net price of $9,826 annually and modest debt levels around $10,881. However, the 36% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $42,356 ten years post-graduation are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the highest paying programs at Clark College?
Nursing programs at Clark College lead in earnings potential, with graduates earning around $63,898 annually. Dental support services also pay well at about $60,000, while automotive and metalworking programs offer more modest returns around $35,000-$40,000.
How much debt do Clark College graduates typically have?
Clark College graduates carry relatively low debt loads, with a median of $10,881. This manageable debt level, combined with the school's affordable tuition, reduces financial risk compared to four-year institutions.
What is Clark College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 36% of Clark College students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs, potentially leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it.