At $11,070/yr net price, Linn-Benton Community College graduates earn $41,363/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,363/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,070 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,363/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,363/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,961 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,522/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,488/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,693/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,327/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,551/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 | $71,686 | $17,296 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $13,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,914 | $15,334 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,141 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $27,066 |
The Risk Factor
24.9% of students at Linn-Benton 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
Linn-Benton Community College delivers strong returns for career-focused students pursuing specific technical programs, but weak outcomes for those in general education tracks. The nursing program stands out with median earnings of $71,686 annually, making it one of the best community college nursing programs in Oregon for return on investment.
Heavy equipment maintenance and precision metalworking programs also pay off well in this region, tapping into Oregon's manufacturing and construction sectors. These trades programs typically lead to immediate employment with local employers who actively recruit LBCC graduates. Environmental control technologies aligns with the state's green energy initiatives and sustainability focus.
The school's 25% graduation rate signals a major risk. Many students accumulate debt without completing programs, making this a poor choice if you lack clear career direction or struggle with self-motivation. Transfer students face particular challenges, as the low completion rate suggests weak academic support systems.
You should consider LBCC if you want nursing training, skilled trades certification, or specific technical credentials for Oregon's job market. The $11,070 annual cost makes financial sense for these career-track programs. Avoid LBCC for general education or exploratory studies, where you'll likely join the 75% who don't graduate.
Financial aid reaches only 28% of students, meaning most pay full price. The school offers limited merit scholarships, so focus on federal Pell grants and state aid. Oregon Promise provides free tuition for recent high school graduates, making this your best cost reduction strategy. Consider part-time enrollment while working if you need income during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linn-Benton Community College worth the cost?
Linn-Benton's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $71,686 annually while general graduates average $41,363, making some programs much better investments than others.
What programs at Linn-Benton Community College have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing offers the strongest return at $71,686 median earnings, followed by Heavy Equipment Maintenance at $52,107. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $41,363.
How much debt do Linn-Benton Community College graduates have?
Median debt is $11,961, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with a 25% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs.
Why is Linn-Benton Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 25% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI since you need to finish your program to see earnings benefits. This suggests many students either transfer or drop out before completing their credentials.