At $10,123/yr net price, Pierce College District graduates earn $47,532/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,532/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,123 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,532/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,532/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,248/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,417/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,579/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,936/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,315/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $74,576 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,405 | $10,217 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
31.2% of students at Pierce College District 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
Pierce College District delivers strong returns for specific career programs despite concerning overall graduation rates. The $10,123 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, with typical graduates owing just $12,000.
Dental support services graduates earn $74,576 annually, making this program an strong investment that pays off the total cost within months of employment. Nursing graduates at $47,260 also see solid returns, particularly given Washington state's healthcare demand. Computer networking pays $38,289, reasonable for a two-year technical program in the Seattle metro area.
Business administration and health administration programs show weaker returns at $32,569 and $30,771 respectively. These earnings barely exceed what you might achieve with a high school diploma in the region, making the investment questionable.
The 31% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face a significant chance of leaving with debt but no credential. This particularly affects students in general studies or undecided programs without clear career pathways.
Pierce works best if you enter with a specific healthcare or technical career goal and complete your program. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests limited need-based support, but the affordable base price compensates.
Avoid Pierce if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or lack clear career direction. The low completion rates make this a poor choice for exploratory students. Choose Pierce if you want practical training for dental, nursing, or technical careers while minimizing debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pierce College District worth the cost?
Pierce College District offers decent value at $10,123 per year with relatively low debt ($12,000 median), but the 31% graduation rate is concerning. Your return depends heavily on completing a high-paying program like dental support services or nursing.
What are the highest paying programs at Pierce College District?
Dental support services leads at $74,576 annually, followed by nursing at $47,260. Business and health administration programs pay significantly less at around $30,000-32,000.
How much debt do Pierce College District graduates typically have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 31% of students graduating, many accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Pierce College District have good job placement after graduation?
Graduates earn $47,532 on average 10 years later, which provides a reasonable return given the low cost. The key challenge is actually graduating, as two-thirds of students don't finish their programs.