At $8,222/yr net price, Lower Columbia College graduates earn $40,691/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,691/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,222 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,691/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,691/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,506 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,427/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,037/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,265/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,683/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
25.0% of students at Lower Columbia 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
Lower Columbia College keeps costs low, but the payoff after graduation is modest. At $40,691 a year, your median earnings a decade out sit below what many four-year graduates earn, and the 25% graduation rate is the number you should weigh hardest. Three out of four students who start here do not finish on the timeline the data tracks, and a degree you never complete cannot return anything.
The debt side is the bright spot. A median debt of $10,506 is low, and if you finish, you carry far less than the national average into repayment. That keeps the downside contained even if your earnings land at the median. The math works because the cost is small, not because the earnings are high.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any pitch about specific high-paying majors with skepticism. Judge programs by their actual placement into local Longview-area employers before you enroll.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes. Under $30k, you pay about $6,427. over $110k, you pay roughly $15,683. The jump above $75k is steep, so if your family earns in that upper band, the value case weakens fast against low earnings.
This school fits you if you live near Longview, want to keep debt minimal, and have a concrete plan to actually graduate. It fits you poorly if you need strong earnings to justify the time, or if you might stall out before finishing. Given the completion odds, transferring credits toward a higher-earning path elsewhere may protect your investment better than staying for the full degree here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lower Columbia College worth the cost?
Lower Columbia College offers good value at $8,222 per year with relatively low debt of $10,506. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and typical earnings of $40,691 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Lower Columbia College?
Nursing programs at Lower Columbia College lead to the highest earnings at $70,628 annually. Precision metalworking pays $34,704, while most other programs result in earnings below $31,000.
How much debt will I have from Lower Columbia College?
Students at Lower Columbia College graduate with a median debt of $10,506, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The low net price of $8,222 per year helps keep borrowing minimal.
What is the graduation rate at Lower Columbia College?
Lower Columbia College has a 25% graduation rate, meaning three out of four students do not complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the return on investment.