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 gives you a manageable financial deal. Median debt sits under $12,000, which is low enough that the $50,712 median earnings ten years out can cover it without much strain. The debt-to-earnings math here works in your favor, and that's the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The catch is the 41% graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish, and if you leave with debt but no credential, the earnings figure above doesn't apply to you. That's the real risk at Green River: not overwhelming debt, but paying in and walking away without the degree that makes the numbers work. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can commit to finishing.
The net price tiers are gentle at the bottom and steep at the top. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,500 a year. If it earns over $110,000, you pay nearly double that at roughly $20,000. The middle brackets climb steadily, so a family at $75,000-$110,000 pays close to $15,000. Lower-income families get a real discount here. higher-income families should compare this against in-state public alternatives before assuming it's a bargain.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to say which majors at Green River pay off and which don't. Treat the $50,712 as a whole-school median, not a promise for any specific field.
This school fits you if you're paying from a lower-income household, want to keep borrowing minimal, and are confident you'll graduate. If you need a school that gets most students across the finish line, the completion odds here should give you pause.
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.