At $8,302/yr net price, Columbia Basin College graduates earn $46,680/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,680/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,302 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,680/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,680/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,829 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,480/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,965/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,973/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,305/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,108/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 | $69,140 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at Columbia Basin 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
Columbia Basin College offers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but your choice of program determines everything. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $69,140 annually while carrying just $11,000 in debt. Dental support services also provide strong returns at $64,493 per year, making these health-focused programs your best financial bets at CBC.
The low net price of $8,302 annually keeps debt manageable across programs, with the median graduate owing only $14,829. This positions CBC well for students seeking practical skills without crushing debt loads. However, the 28% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment if you don't finish your program.
Business and allied health programs offer moderate returns around $48,000 annually, while vehicle maintenance graduates see more limited earning potential at $41,007. The regional job market in the Tri-Cities area supports healthcare and technical roles, aligning well with CBC's strongest programs.
CBC works best financially for students committed to completing health sciences or technical programs who want affordable training for middle-class careers. The school struggles as an option for students seeking broad academic exploration or those unsure about their career direction, given the low completion rates and program-specific nature of the strong returns.
Financial aid reaches only 24% of students, suggesting many pay the already-low sticker price. Focus on completing your chosen program quickly to maximize the return on your investment, as the school's value proposition depends entirely on graduation and entering the workforce in your trained field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Basin College worth the money?
Columbia Basin College offers solid value with a low net price of $8,302 per year and reasonable debt levels around $14,829. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges that could affect your return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Columbia Basin College?
Nursing programs at Columbia Basin College lead earnings at $69,140 annually, followed by dental support services at $64,493. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings of $46,680.
How much student debt will I have after Columbia Basin College?
Columbia Basin College graduates typically leave with $14,829 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low annual cost of $8,302 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does Columbia Basin College have a good graduation rate?
Columbia Basin College has a 28% graduation rate, which is below average and raises concerns about student success. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their programs and see the intended career benefits.