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 costs about $2,810 a year net, and that low price is the whole financial case. Median earnings ten years out land near $30,000, so you are not going to see a big income jump from this degree. What makes the math work is that you spend almost nothing to get there. Total tuition and fees over two years are cheaper than a single semester at most mainland colleges.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any specific major payoff claim with caution. What you can rely on is the overall picture: a two-year credential that keeps you near a regional wage floor. That is fine if you plan to work in Palau or nearby, where local wages and living costs already sit at that level. It is a poor fit if you are counting on the degree alone to move you into a higher-paying labor market abroad.
The main risk is the graduation rate: only about a third of students finish. If you enroll and leave without the credential, you still carry whatever loans and time you put in, with none of the wage return. Cheap tuition protects your downside, but not finishing wipes out the deal.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $2,000 to $2,900, and the $30-48k band actually pays the least. But if your family earns $75,000 to $110,000, your net price jumps to about $8,535 , roughly three times what lower-income families pay. This school makes the most financial sense for you if you are from a low-income Palauan household planning to work locally. If you can afford to leave the region for a four-year program, look elsewhere.
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.