Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,680
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,829
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $157/mo
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 | $69,140 | $11,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $64,493 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,265 | $11,042 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,007 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,711 | |
| Marketing. | Associate | $27,476 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,660 |
Outcomes Overview
Columbia Basin graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $14,829, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 32% against their $46,680 median salary. Monthly loan payments of $157 consume just 4% of graduates' income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's workforce training programs funnel students into healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that serve the Tri-Cities' agricultural and energy sectors. With a 93.4% employment rate and earnings that actually increase from $30,800 at six years to $46,680 at ten years, graduates demonstrate strong career mobility. The combination of low debt, solid employment prospects, and affordable monthly payments delivers a strong return on investment for this community college model.