At $12,447/yr net price, Green River College graduates earn $50,712/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,712/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,447 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,712/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,712/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,891 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,534/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,801/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,329/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,074/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,968/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,087 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Green River College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Green River College delivers solid financial returns for a public four-year institution, with graduates earning a median $50,712 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $12,447 annually. The earnings-to-cost ratio works in your favor, though the 41% graduation rate means completion risk runs higher than at most four-year schools.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with practical nursing graduates earning $46,087 annually. This program offers strong job security in Washington's healthcare market, where nursing shortages create consistent demand. Other programs at Green River show weaker earning potential, making your major choice critical for financial outcomes.
Your biggest risk at Green River is non-completion. With less than half of students finishing their programs, you face real odds of accumulating debt without a degree to show for it. The low median debt of $11,891 helps limit downside risk for those who do complete, but incomplete programs leave you financially worse off.
Green River works best if you're targeting healthcare careers or need an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. The school makes financial sense for students who can commit fully to completion and have clear career goals aligned with the programs offered. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive support services to finish or want access to higher-earning career tracks.
With only 19% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to the full net price. This suggests limited need-based aid availability, so plan to cover costs through other means if your family income exceeds aid thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Green River College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Green River College costs $12,447 per year with graduates earning $50,712 after 10 years, making it a solid value for a community college. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Green River College?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $46,087 annually. These healthcare-focused programs justify the tuition costs better than most other offerings at the school.
How much debt do Green River College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $11,891, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Given the relatively low earnings potential of $50,712, this debt level won't overwhelm most graduates.
Should I attend Green River College if I'm worried about graduation rates?
With only 41% of students graduating, Green River College has completion challenges that could waste your time and money. Consider your academic preparedness and motivation carefully before enrolling.