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 costs little and leaves you with little debt, but the earnings payoff is modest. You pay about $6,329 a year and carry a median debt of $12,000 at graduation , less than the price of a used car. That low debt is the strongest part of the financial picture here, because it means a weak salary outcome won't bury you.
The catch is what comes after. Ten years out, median earnings sit at $43,307. In Seattle, one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, that number does not stretch far. The return is real because your costs are low, but the ceiling is low too.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only about a third of students graduate. If you borrow, attend, and leave without a credential, you get the debt without the earnings bump , the worst outcome this school can hand you. Your first job is to be someone who actually completes.
The net price tiers are unusually flat, and oddly, middle incomes pay more. If your family earns $48-75k, you pay more than families earning under $30k or even $75-110k. If you're in that middle band, run your own aid numbers before assuming you'll get a break , you may pay close to what higher earners do.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost path, plan to transfer to a four-year degree, or are targeting a specific Seattle-area trade or technical credential you can finish quickly. Look elsewhere if you need strong standalone bachelor's earnings to justify the time, or if you're not confident you'll finish. The math works when you keep costs low and actually walk out with the credential.
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.