Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.2%
- Retention Rate
- 87.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $32,725
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,923
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $137/mo
Outcomes Overview
Graduates face a challenging financial reality with median debt of $12,923 against median earnings of $32,725 ten years out. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 39%, well above the recommended 20% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $137 consume about 5% of typical graduate income. The 37% loan repayment rate signals financial struggles for many alumni. Salish Kootenai's mission centers on serving tribal communities through education, healthcare, and natural resources careers that prioritize cultural preservation over high salaries. Many graduates work in social services, tribal government, and environmental conservation on the Flathead Reservation. Given the college's community-focused mission and regional economic constraints, this represents a weak return on investment by traditional financial metrics.