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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. At roughly $8,300 a year in net price, you carry little financial weight going in, and the median debt of under $15,000 keeps you from the borrowing traps that sink graduates elsewhere. Ten-year median earnings land near $46,700, which is not a big number, but it lines up with a low-debt investment. The math works because you spend little, not because the school launches you into high pay.
The clearest bright spot is the Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelor's degree. It pays above the school-wide median while carrying less debt than typical, so this is the program where the numbers actually favor you. No other bachelor-level program is listed here, so treat CBC mainly as a business and transfer school when you weigh earnings.
The real risk is finishing. Under 28% of students graduate. Even a low net price becomes a bad deal if you pay for years and leave without a credential, since your earnings without the degree won't clear the debt. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can complete the program on a normal timeline.
This school fits you if you live in the Tri-Cities area, want to keep costs down, and either aim for the business degree or plan to transfer to a four-year university. If your family earns under $48,000, your net price stays under $8,000, making CBC one of the cheaper starts you'll find. Above $110,000 in income, your price roughly doubles to about $16,000, and at that point you should compare CBC against four-year schools with stronger earnings before committing.
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.