At $10,116/yr net price, Shoreline Community College graduates earn $52,009/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,009/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,116 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,009/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,009/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,021 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,661/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,042/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,972/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,853/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,258/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $77,087 | $20,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $68,499 | $15,997 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | $7,250 |
The Risk Factor
32.4% of students at Shoreline 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
Shoreline Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The dental support program generates $77,087 in median earnings with only $20,000 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Nursing graduates earn $68,499 annually with moderate debt of $15,997, making it another financially sound choice.
The college's low 32% graduation rate creates significant risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without completing your program. This risk is particularly concerning given that only 12% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay full price for an education they may not finish.
Industrial production technology and accounting programs show weaker returns, with earnings in the $30,000-$38,000 range. These numbers barely justify the time and cost investment given Washington's cost of living around Seattle.
This school works best if you target high-earning healthcare programs and can commit to completion. The dental and nursing tracks offer clear career paths with strong regional demand in the Seattle metro area. Avoid this college if you're exploring general education or unsure about your major, as the low completion rates and limited financial aid make it expensive experimentation.
The minimal financial aid availability means you'll likely pay close to the full $10,116 annual cost. Factor in living expenses in the expensive Seattle area when calculating your total investment. Focus on programs with clear job placement records rather than general transfer credits that may not lead to immediate employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shoreline Community College worth the money?
Shoreline Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $10,116 annually and manageable debt averaging $12,021. However, the 32% graduation rate is concerning, and typical earnings of $52,009 after 10 years are modest for the region.
What are the best paying programs at Shoreline Community College?
Dental support programs lead with $77,087 average earnings, followed by nursing at $68,499. These health-focused programs significantly outperform the school's overall average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Shoreline Community College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,021, which is relatively low for higher education. The manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for higher-earning health programs.
What is the graduation rate at Shoreline Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not see returns on their investment, making program choice and academic preparation critical.