At $2,810/yr net price, Palau Community College graduates earn $29,898/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,810 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,898/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,102/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,916/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,066/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,373/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,535/yr |
The Risk Factor
34.2% of students at Palau 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
Palau Community College offers one of the lowest-cost educations in the Pacific region, but your earning potential remains limited by the local job market. With a net price under $3,000 annually, the financial barrier to entry is minimal, yet the 34% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.
Your post-graduation earnings will largely depend on local employment opportunities rather than your specific major. The island economy focuses heavily on tourism, government work, and basic services, which caps most salaries regardless of educational credentials. Healthcare and technical programs tend to offer the most stable career paths, while general education transfers work best if you plan to continue your studies elsewhere.
The biggest financial risk is opportunity cost. If you can access mainland U.S. community colleges, you'll typically find better job placement rates and higher earning potential. However, if you're committed to staying in Palau or need affordable local training, this college serves that specific niche well.
You're a good fit here if you need low-cost credentials for local employment, plan to transfer to a four-year institution later, or require flexible scheduling while working. Skip this option if you want immediate access to higher-paying careers or diverse industry connections.
The high financial aid participation rate means most students receive some assistance, though specific merit scholarship details vary year to year. Your best strategy involves completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your time in the workforce, since the local salary ceiling makes extended education investments harder to justify financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palau Community College worth the cost?
At $2,810 per year, Palau Community College offers very low tuition costs but graduates earn only $29,898 annually after 10 years. The low price helps offset the modest earning potential, making it financially reasonable for students seeking affordable education in Palau.
What is the graduation rate at Palau Community College?
Palau Community College has a 34% graduation rate, which is below average for community colleges. This means about two-thirds of students don't complete their programs, presenting a real risk of spending time and money without earning a credential.
How much do Palau Community College graduates earn?
Graduates earn an average of $29,898 ten years after starting college. While this is low by U.S. standards, it may reflect local economic conditions in Palau where cost of living and wage scales differ significantly from the mainland.
Should I attend Palau Community College for financial reasons?
The school's main financial advantage is its very low cost at $2,810 annually. However, the low graduation rate means many students never complete their programs, and even graduates face limited earning potential compared to other regions.