At $9,002/yr net price, Salish Kootenai College graduates earn $32,725/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,002 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,725/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,275/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,923 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,263/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,954/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,660/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,987/yr |
The Risk Factor
35.2% of students at Salish Kootenai 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
Salish Kootenai College delivers modest financial returns with significant completion risks that prospective students must weigh carefully. With median earnings of $32,725 ten years after enrollment and relatively low debt loads averaging $12,923, graduates who finish their degrees can expect manageable loan payments relative to their income.
The college's 35% graduation rate represents the primary financial risk. You face roughly two-in-three odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. However, the 87% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so later in their academic careers rather than immediately.
Your program choice matters significantly at this tribal college. Education, natural resources, and healthcare programs align well with regional employment opportunities on and around the Flathead Reservation. Business and liberal arts degrees may offer limited local career prospects given the rural Montana location and specialized regional economy.
Salish Kootenai College makes financial sense primarily for Native American students seeking culturally grounded education at below-market costs. The $9,002 annual net price represents strong value for higher education, particularly for students receiving tribal benefits or those committed to working in tribal communities post-graduation.
Non-Native students should consider whether the cultural focus and limited alumni network align with their career goals. The college works best financially for students with strong family or community support systems who can handle the completion challenges, and those planning careers in education, natural resources, or tribal governance where the specialized training provides clear employment pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salish Kootenai College worth the cost?
With a low net price of $9,002 per year and median debt of only $12,923, Salish Kootenai College is affordable, but graduates earn just $32,725 ten years after enrollment. The 35% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What is the return on investment for Salish Kootenai College graduates?
Salish Kootenai College graduates earn relatively low salaries compared to other colleges, with median earnings of $32,725 after ten years. However, the low debt burden and affordable tuition make it a reasonable choice for students seeking cultural education or planning to transfer.
How much debt do Salish Kootenai College students typically have?
Students who borrow at Salish Kootenai College graduate with a median debt of $12,923, which is lower than the national average. The monthly loan payment would be manageable even with the lower post-graduation earnings.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Salish Kootenai College?
Job prospects depend heavily on your field of study, but overall earnings for Salish Kootenai College graduates are below average at $32,725 ten years out. The college serves an important role in Native American education and community development, which may offer non-financial benefits for some students.