At $13,433/yr net price, Clatsop Community College graduates earn $39,477/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,477/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,433 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,477/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,477/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,602 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,112/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,967/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,917/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,106/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 | $69,338 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,377 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
23.7% of students at Clatsop 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
Clatsop Community College offers a mixed financial picture with one clear winner and several programs that struggle to justify their cost. The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $69,338 annually, making it one of the best community college nursing investments in Oregon. Your debt-to-income ratio stays manageable since most students graduate with just $11,602 in debt.
Liberal arts and allied health programs tell a different story. Liberal arts graduates earn $27,377 annually while allied health completers make $25,194, both figures that barely exceed what many high school graduates earn in the coastal Oregon job market. These programs leave you financially treading water rather than advancing.
The 23.7% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. Three out of four students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate reflects both academic preparation challenges and the economic pressures facing students in Clatsop County, where housing costs and limited job opportunities can derail educational plans.
Clatsop makes financial sense if you can secure a nursing program spot and have the academic preparation to complete it successfully. The school also works for students using it as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities, though you need realistic transfer plans. Avoid Clatsop if you are considering liberal arts or allied health programs without clear career pathways, or if you struggle with academic consistency. The combination of weak job market outcomes and low graduation rates creates a high-risk scenario for students who cannot commit fully to their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clatsop Community College worth the cost?
Clatsop Community College offers decent value at $13,433 per year, but the 24% graduation rate is concerning. The nursing programs provide strong returns with $69,338 median earnings, while liberal arts graduates earn just $27,377.
What are the best paying programs at Clatsop Community College?
Nursing programs at Clatsop Community College lead to median earnings of $69,338, making them the clear ROI winners. Liberal arts and allied health programs pay significantly less at around $25,000-27,000 annually.
How much debt do Clatsop Community College graduates have?
Clatsop Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $11,602, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 24% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Do Clatsop Community College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
Clatsop Community College graduates earn $39,477 ten years after enrollment, which covers the annual cost but provides modest long-term returns. Success depends heavily on choosing high-paying programs like nursing rather than general studies.