At $3,912/yr net price, Clover Park Technical College graduates earn $41,787/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,787/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,912 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,787/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,787/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,112 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,264/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,328/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,365/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,998/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,974/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 | $73,949 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,000 | $10,584 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Certificate | $36,938 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $34,847 | $12,277 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
40.7% of students at Clover Park Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Clover Park Technical College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with a rock-bottom net price of $3,912 annually and manageable debt loads under $12,000. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $73,949 within ten years of graduation.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Registered nursing graduates earn nearly double the school's overall median, while vehicle maintenance and allied health diagnostics also provide solid returns above $46,000. These technical programs align well with Washington's healthcare and logistics job markets. Computer technology graduates, however, earn just $39,369, which may disappoint given the field's reputation for higher pay.
The 40.7% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly six in ten students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. This completion challenge is especially concerning for career-focused technical programs where the certificate or degree directly impacts job prospects.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare careers or hands-on technical fields who can handle the academic demands. The low net price makes it accessible even without significant financial aid, and the debt burden remains reasonable for graduates who complete their programs.
Avoid Clover Park if you're uncertain about your program choice or lack strong study habits. The completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish, and switching programs or dropping out eliminates the financial benefits of the low costs. Students seeking traditional four-year degrees should also look elsewhere, as this institution focuses on two-year technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clover Park Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,912 per year and median debt of $12,112, Clover Park Technical College offers decent value for students who graduate. However, the 40.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making it risky for those who struggle with program completion.
What programs at Clover Park Technical College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning around $73,949 annually. Vehicle maintenance and allied health programs also provide solid returns at $47,260 and $46,478 respectively, while computer technology programs lag behind at $39,369.
How much debt do Clover Park Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt for Clover Park Technical College graduates is $12,112, which is relatively manageable for a technical college. This low debt load helps improve the overall value proposition, especially for higher-paying programs like nursing.
Do Clover Park Technical College graduates earn good salaries?
Graduate earnings vary significantly by program at Clover Park Technical College. Nursing graduates can expect strong salaries around $73,949, but the overall median of $41,787 reflects lower-paying programs that may not justify the time investment.