At $6,116/yr net price, Skagit Valley College graduates earn $43,505/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,505/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,116 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,505/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,505/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,805 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,672/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,000/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,980/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,822/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,437/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $19,000 |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Certificate | $41,193 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,852 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,069 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,162 | |
| Marketing. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,262 | $9,225 |
The Risk Factor
33.6% of students at Skagit Valley 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
Skagit Valley College delivers solid financial value for career-focused students, with a low net price of $6,116 annually and manageable debt loads. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating median earnings of $57,318 compared to the school's overall median of $43,505.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Registered nursing graduates earn strong returns despite carrying higher debt at $19,000, while natural resources management and precision metalworking offer decent wages without the debt burden. Practical nursing and vehicle repair programs provide stable middle-class incomes in the $36,000 range.
The 33.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face a real chance of leaving with debt but no credential, making program completion critical for ROI. The school works best for students who know their career direction and can commit to finishing their chosen program.
Financial aid reaches only 28% of students, suggesting many pay out of pocket or rely on family support. This makes the low sticker price particularly valuable for students without access to significant aid packages.
Skagit Valley College fits students seeking practical, job-ready training in healthcare, trades, or natural resources without the debt load of a four-year university. Skip this school if you need extensive academic support to finish programs or want broad liberal arts exposure. The ROI depends entirely on completing one of the higher-earning technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skagit Valley College worth the money?
At $6,116 per year, Skagit Valley College offers decent value for specific career programs like nursing and skilled trades. However, the 33.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Skagit Valley College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $57,318 annually, making it the strongest ROI program. Natural resources management ($41,193) and precision metalworking ($39,369) also pay better than the overall graduate average of $43,505.
How much debt do Skagit Valley College students graduate with?
Median debt is $13,805, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost helps keep borrowing reasonable for students who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Skagit Valley College?
Only 33.6% of students graduate, which is a significant risk factor. This means about two-thirds of students leave without completing their degree or certificate programs.