Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,695 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,780 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,947/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,086/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $73,635 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $34,467 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,874 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,667 |
The Risk Factor
31.0% of students at Oregon Coast 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
Oregon Coast Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The low net price of under $12,000 annually makes it an affordable option, but the 31% graduation rate creates significant risk that you may not complete your degree.
Allied Health Diagnostic programs stand out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning over $73,000 annually. This represents strong ROI given the low cost of attendance. Medical assisting also provides solid returns at $34,467, though accounting graduates earn just $30,228. Liberal arts and business support programs lag behind with earnings in the mid-$20,000 range, making debt payback more challenging.
Your biggest financial risk at Oregon Coast is non-completion. With only one in three students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The coastal location limits local job opportunities compared to urban areas, potentially forcing graduates to relocate for career advancement.
This school works best financially if you can commit to completing an allied health program and have strong study habits to overcome the low graduation rates. The affordable tuition makes it worth considering for career changers or those seeking practical healthcare skills. Avoid this school if you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support services.
With 37% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your return on this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon Coast Community College worth the cost?
Oregon Coast Community College offers decent value for specific career programs, with allied health diagnostic programs showing strong earning potential at $73,635. However, the 31% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces ROI for those who leave with debt but no credential.
What are the best paying programs at Oregon Coast Community College?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs lead with $73,635 median earnings, followed by medical assisting at $34,467. Liberal arts and business programs show much lower returns at $26,874 and below, making career-focused health programs the clear winners for ROI.
How much debt do Oregon Coast Community College graduates typically have?
With a net price of $11,695 per year, students who complete a two-year program face roughly $23,400 in total costs. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing, making completion critical for avoiding financial loss.
Should I attend Oregon Coast Community College for liberal arts?
Liberal arts graduates from Oregon Coast Community College earn a median of $26,874, which provides limited return on the $23,400+ investment. Students interested in liberal arts should consider this a transfer pathway rather than a terminal degree for better long-term financial outcomes.