At $9,920/yr net price, Portland Community College graduates earn $44,592/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,592/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,920 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,592/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,592/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,999 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,626/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,932/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,708/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,879/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,645/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $73,635 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,015 | $21,634 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Associate | $61,218 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $59,950 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $59,253 | $20,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,151 | |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $51,482 |
The Risk Factor
17.7% of students at Portland 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
Portland Community College delivers strong financial returns if you choose the right program, but the overall picture reveals significant risks. The 17% graduation rate means most students never complete their degree, turning what appears to be an affordable education into a costly dead end.
Your program choice determines everything here. Allied health and nursing graduates earn $70,000+ annually, creating excellent ROI despite nursing programs carrying $21,634 in debt. Engineering technology fields also pay well, with mechanical and electrical programs producing graduates earning nearly $60,000. These technical programs justify the investment and align with Portland's manufacturing and healthcare job market.
The danger lies in PCC's lower-earning programs, where graduates struggle to reach the $44,592 median. With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay the full $9,920 annual cost. The low graduation rate suggests many students accumulate debt without finishing, creating the worst possible financial outcome.
PCC works financially for students committed to healthcare or technical fields who can handle the completion challenge. The nursing program offers direct entry to Oregon's strong healthcare job market, while engineering technology aligns with regional manufacturing needs. Adult learners returning for specific technical training often succeed here.
Avoid PCC if you're unsure about your major or struggle with self-direction. The low graduation rate indicates weak student support systems. Traditional high school graduates might find better completion rates and support at four-year schools, even with higher costs. Your ability to finish matters more than the low sticker price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland Community College worth the cost for most students?
Portland Community College offers solid value for students who complete specific career-focused programs, with a low net price of $9,920 annually and median debt under $13,000. However, the 17.7% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
Which Portland Community College programs have the best job prospects and salary outcomes?
Allied health programs and nursing at Portland Community College lead to strong earnings, with graduates earning $71,000-$73,635 annually. Engineering technology programs also perform well, with mechanical and electrical engineering technicians earning $59,950-$63,005.
How much debt do Portland Community College graduates typically have?
Portland Community College graduates who borrow money typically owe $12,999, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost structure makes it possible for many students to graduate with minimal or no debt.
What are the biggest risks of attending Portland Community College?
The main risk is not finishing your program, as only 18% of students graduate within normal timeframes. Students who drop out lose their investment and miss out on the career benefits that make community college worthwhile.