Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,691
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,506
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
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 | $70,628 | $10,035 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $23,579 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 | $7,667 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $22,806 |
Outcomes Overview
Lower Columbia graduates earn a median of $40,691 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $10,506. Monthly loan payments of $111 consume just 3.3% of graduates' income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 90.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the timber-heavy Pacific Northwest economy. Many graduates find work in healthcare support, manufacturing, and skilled trades that anchor Longview's economy. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 ranks favorably compared to the national average of 0.37 for two-year programs. Low borrowing costs combined with solid regional employment prospects create a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.