At $13,461/yr net price, Edmonds College graduates earn $48,144/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,144/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,461 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,144/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,144/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,855 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,686/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,004/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,089/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,161/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,878/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 | $15,566 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,055 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Edmonds 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
Edmonds College gives you a moderate financial return with real risk attached to finishing. Ten years out, the median earnings sit just above $48,000, and your median debt load stays low at under $12,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is one of the healthier ones you'll find at a public school, so if you graduate, you won't be buried.
The problem is the "if you graduate" part. Only a third of students finish. That 33% grad rate is the single biggest financial risk here. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and two out of three students who start don't cross the finish line. Borrowing while betting you'll beat those odds is the gamble you're making.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $12,000 a year. Above $75,000, the price jumps to roughly $18,000 and barely moves after that. So middle- and upper-income families carry the heaviest sticker, while low-income families get the better deal here.
No program-level earnings data is listed, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown. Don't assume a given field here lands you above or below that $48,000 median.
This school fits you if you're paying the lower-income net price, plan to transfer or finish a targeted credential, and want to keep debt minimal. It fits you poorly if you'd borrow heavily, come from a higher-income household paying the top price, or aren't confident you'll finish. Given the completion odds, going in with a clear exit plan matters more than the tuition itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edmonds College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Edmonds College offers a relatively low cost at $13,461 per year, but graduates earn just $48,144 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 33% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Edmonds College?
Business Administration graduates from Edmonds College earn around $38,289 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn about $28,055. Both figures are well below national averages for college graduates.
How much student debt do Edmonds College graduates have?
Edmonds College graduates carry a median debt of $11,855, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. However, with graduate earnings around $48,144, the debt-to-income ratio is still concerning.
Should I choose Edmonds College for a good return on investment?
Edmonds College provides an affordable education option, but the ROI is poor due to low graduate earnings and a high dropout rate. Consider it mainly if you need local, low-cost education or plan to transfer to a four-year school.