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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. The net price of $4,529 per year is one of the cheapest you'll find for a public four-year school, and your median debt at graduation sits under $16,000. That's the strong side of the ledger. The weak side is what comes after: median earnings ten years out land at just over $37,000, which is close to what many workers earn without a degree at all.
The math still works because your costs are so low. Debt under $16,000 against a $37,000 salary is manageable, and you won't be buried the way you might be at a pricier school with the same earnings. But this is a low-risk, low-reward setup. You're not paying much, and you're not getting much salary lift in return.
The 40.6% graduation rate is the real financial risk here. If you're among the roughly six in ten who don't finish, you can still take on debt and time without the credential to show for it. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll complete the program you start.
On price by income, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, around $2,400 to $3,100 a year, while families over $110,000 pay closer to $12,900. Even at the top tier, that's affordable compared to most four-year schools.
Peninsula College fits you if you want low-cost credits close to home, especially transfer or workforce credentials that keep you in the Port Angeles region. Look elsewhere if you're counting on a degree here to push your earnings well above the local baseline.
No bachelor-level program earnings were listed, so specific major-by-major payoff can't be assessed from this data.
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.