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 gives you a real return only if you pick the right program. The median graduate earns about $44,600 ten years out against a net price near $9,900 a year, so the debt load stays low, but that median hides a wide gap between programs.
Nursing is where the money is. The associate degree in registered nursing pays around $71,000, one of the strongest returns any two-year school can offer, and it lines up with steady hospital demand across the Portland metro. The allied health certificate pays even more at over $73,000 for a shorter credential. Engineering technology tracks (mechanical, biomedical, electrical) all clear $59,000, so if you want a technical associate that feeds directly into Oregon's manufacturing and medical device employers, these deliver.
The biggest risk here is not debt, it's finishing. The graduation rate sits at 17.7%. If you enroll, pay tuition, and drop out, you carry cost with no credential to show for it, and the strong earnings above only apply to people who complete. That low completion number is the single thing that can wreck your return.
The net price by income tells a clear story: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $9,000 a year, and the nursing or engineering payoff makes that math easy. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay closer to $15,600, still cheap for what these technical programs return.
This school fits you if you want a specific health or engineering credential and will actually finish it. It's a weaker bet if you enroll without a clear program in mind, since the median outcome and the completion odds both drop off fast once you leave the top tracks.
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.