At $8,084/yr net price, Klamath Community College graduates earn $34,357/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $357/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,084 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,357/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$357/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 90.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,480 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,160/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,945/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,298/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,297/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,177/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,615 | $12,500 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at Klamath 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
Klamath Community College offers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $34,357 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 37% graduation rate. Your investment of $8,084 annually faces significant risk when more than six in ten students fail to complete their programs.
The earnings data reveals concerning limitations in program outcomes. Even the top-earning major, Liberal Arts and Sciences, produces graduates earning only $24,615 annually while carrying $12,500 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that limits financial mobility for years after graduation.
The low graduation rate amplifies financial risk considerably. If you become part of the 63% who don't complete their program, you face the worst possible outcome: educational debt without the credential needed to increase earning power. The regional job market in Klamath Falls lacks the diversity and wage levels needed to support strong career advancement for most graduates.
Klamath Community College works best as a low-cost stepping stone if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing general education requirements. The $8,084 net price makes it affordable for basic coursework, but you should avoid career-focused programs here given the weak earnings outcomes.
With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best financial strategy involves minimizing time to completion and ensuring every credit transfers to your target four-year school. Students seeking immediate workforce entry after graduation should consider programs at other regional colleges with stronger industry connections and higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klamath Community College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $34,357 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $8,084 per year, Klamath Community College provides modest returns. The low cost helps, but the graduation rate of 37% means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Klamath Community College?
The top programs at Klamath Community College are Liberal Arts and General Studies, with graduates earning around $24,615. These earnings are below the national average for community college graduates.
How much debt do Klamath Community College students typically graduate with?
Students who borrow at Klamath Community College graduate with a median debt of $17,480. This debt level is manageable given the school's low annual cost of $8,084.
Should I attend Klamath Community College or transfer to a four-year school?
Klamath Community College works best as a stepping stone to a four-year degree rather than a final destination. The low cost makes it a reasonable option for completing general education requirements before transferring.