At $6,329/yr net price, Seattle Central College graduates earn $43,307/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,307/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,329 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,307/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,307/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.4% |
| 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 | $5,808/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,570/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,070/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,563/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,224/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $65,332 | $11,600 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $60,771 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,236 | $8,733 |
The Risk Factor
31.4% of students at Seattle Central 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
Seattle Central College delivers strong financial returns for health-focused students but poor outcomes for liberal arts majors. The school's health services programs generate median earnings of $65,332 after graduation, making the $11,600 typical debt load manageable with a debt-to-income ratio under 18%.
Your choice of major makes or breaks the financial case here. Health services and allied health programs justify the investment with solid middle-class salaries in Seattle's competitive job market. Liberal arts graduates earn just $28,236 annually, creating a challenging financial outlook even with lower debt of $8,733.
The 31% graduation rate represents a significant risk. You face a roughly one-in-three chance of completing your degree, and dropping out leaves you with debt but no credential. This low completion rate particularly hurts students who need structure and support to succeed academically.
Seattle Central works best for career-focused students entering healthcare fields who can handle the community college system independently. The health programs offer direct pathways to stable employment in Seattle's strong medical sector. Skip this school if you're pursuing liberal arts, need extensive academic support, or want a traditional four-year college experience.
Financial aid reaches only 21% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. The low net price of $6,329 annually makes this accessible for Washington residents, but out-of-state students should expect higher costs. Consider this school as an affordable stepping stone into healthcare careers, not as a general education option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle Central College worth the cost for career earnings?
Seattle Central College graduates earn a median of $43,307 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low $6,329 annual net price. The return depends heavily on your program choice, with health-related fields paying significantly more than liberal arts.
What are the best paying programs at Seattle Central College?
Health Services and Allied Health programs at Seattle Central College lead to median earnings of $65,332 and $60,771 respectively. Liberal Arts graduates earn much less at $28,236, making program selection critical for financial outcomes.
How much student debt do Seattle Central College graduates typically have?
Seattle Central College graduates have a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The manageable debt load helps offset the lower earnings for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Seattle Central College and does it affect ROI?
Seattle Central College has a 31.40% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. Only completing students see the earnings benefits, so the risk of not graduating and still owing money is significant.