At $7,755/yr net price, Olympic College graduates earn $43,169/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,169/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,755 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,169/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,169/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,352/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,386/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,655/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,184/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,478/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. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,706 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,651 | $16,991 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $54,435 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $47,260 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,771 |
The Risk Factor
34.0% of students at Olympic 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
Olympic College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in specific technical programs but concerning overall completion rates. At $7,755 per year, the net cost sits well below national averages, making it affordable for most students.
The nursing programs deliver Olympic's strongest ROI, with registered nurses earning up to $69,338 annually against relatively low debt loads. Industrial production technology also pays off well at over $54,000, reflecting demand in Washington's manufacturing sector around Puget Sound. These technical programs justify the investment and align with regional job opportunities in healthcare and shipbuilding.
The major financial risk centers on Olympic's 34% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, making this a poor fit if you struggle with academic persistence or need significant support structures. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond the already reasonable sticker price.
Olympic works best for self-directed students targeting specific technical careers, particularly nursing or industrial technology. The combination of low costs, strong earnings in key programs, and manageable debt makes it viable for career changers or students seeking direct paths to employment. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or plan to pursue fields outside Olympic's technical strengths.
Focus on the highest-earning nursing track if you can handle the coursework intensity. The $16,991 debt load for registered nursing remains reasonable given the $61,651 starting salary, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio for graduates who complete the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olympic College worth the money?
Olympic College offers solid value with a low net price of $7,755 annually and median debt of only $12,000. However, the 34% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $43,169 are modest compared to four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Olympic College?
Nursing programs at Olympic College lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $61,651-$69,338 annually. Industrial production technology is also strong at $54,435-$64,706, while practical nursing averages $47,260.
How much debt do Olympic College students graduate with?
Olympic College students graduate with a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The low net price of $7,755 per year helps keep borrowing minimal.
What is Olympic College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 34% of Olympic College students graduate, which significantly impacts ROI since non-graduates still carry debt but miss out on degree benefits. This low completion rate suggests many students may struggle to finish their programs.