At $10,550/yr net price, Columbia Gorge Community College graduates earn $44,440/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,440/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,550 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,440/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,440/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 11.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,397 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,270/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,488/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,618/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,778/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 | $64,493 | $18,115 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,644 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 |
The Risk Factor
11.9% of students at Columbia Gorge 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
Columbia Gorge Community College delivers weak overall returns with a troubling 12% graduation rate that makes most program investments risky. Your chances of completing any degree here are roughly one in eight.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $64,493 in median earnings with manageable debt of $18,115. This represents solid ROI if you can handle the competitive admission process and complete the requirements. Electrical engineering technology also shows promise at nearly $50,000 in annual earnings, though completion data for this specific program remains unclear.
Liberal arts and general studies programs produce concerning returns, with graduates earning just $25,774 annually. Given the low graduation rates, you face significant risk of accumulating debt without finishing your degree. Business and medical assisting programs fall into mediocre territory with earnings in the mid-$30,000s.
The school's location in The Dalles limits your local job market, though nursing graduates can find opportunities throughout Oregon and Washington. Only 21% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability.
Columbia Gorge makes financial sense primarily for local students pursuing nursing who can complete the program and secure regional healthcare employment. The college also works for those needing specific technical certifications while living at home to minimize costs. However, most students should consider transferring to four-year institutions after completing prerequisites, assuming they can maintain the academic focus needed to actually graduate. The extremely low completion rate signals serious institutional challenges that put your investment at risk regardless of your chosen program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Gorge Community College worth the money?
Columbia Gorge Community College offers decent value for nursing and electrical technology programs, but the overall ROI is weak with median earnings of $44,440 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 12% means most students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Columbia Gorge Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered Nursing leads with $64,493 median earnings, followed by Electrical Engineering Technology at $49,644. Liberal arts graduates earn just $25,774, making those programs a poor financial investment.
How much debt do Columbia Gorge Community College students graduate with?
Students who complete programs graduate with a median debt of $19,397. Given the low graduation rate and modest earnings for most programs, this debt level can be difficult to manage.
Does Columbia Gorge Community College have good financial aid?
With a net price of $10,550 per year, Columbia Gorge Community College is relatively affordable for a college. However, the extremely low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning credentials.