At $4,529/yr net price, Peninsula College graduates earn $37,078/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,078/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,529 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,078/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,078/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,786 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,080/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,384/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,829/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,112/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,892/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 | $63,005 | $15,510 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,138 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,474 | $11,466 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
40.6% of students at Peninsula College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Peninsula College offers an extremely low-cost education at $4,529 annually, but your earning potential afterward remains limited outside of nursing programs. The school's 41% graduation rate means most students never finish their degree, making it a risky investment despite the affordable price.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,005 annually against manageable debt of $15,510. This program alone justifies attending Peninsula College if you can secure admission and complete the coursework. All other major programs fall well below national salary medians, with Liberal Arts graduates earning just $27,474 and Precision Metal Working students making $23,649.
Your biggest risk is joining the 60% of students who drop out without a credential. The low graduation rate suggests significant academic or support challenges that could derail your investment entirely. The school's remote Olympic Peninsula location also limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban colleges.
Peninsula College makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can handle the program's demands. The combination of low costs and strong nursing job prospects in Washington creates solid returns. You should look elsewhere if you want Liberal Arts, business, or technical programs with better earning potential.
With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your strategy should focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize costs and maximize the low-price advantage. Consider Peninsula College as a stepping stone to four-year programs if you need affordable general education credits before transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peninsula College worth the money?
Peninsula College offers good value with a low net price of $4,529 per year and manageable debt of $15,786. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and typical earnings of $37,078 are modest compared to four-year schools.
What are the highest paying majors at Peninsula College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $63,005, making it the clear winner for ROI at Peninsula College. Allied Health programs earn $33,138, while Liberal Arts graduates typically make $27,474.
How much debt do Peninsula College graduates have?
Peninsula College graduates carry a median debt of $15,786, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
Should I go to Peninsula College or a four-year university?
Peninsula College makes sense if you want nursing or allied health training at low cost. For other fields, the modest earnings and 40% graduation rate suggest you might get better returns elsewhere.