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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest earnings on the other side. At roughly $6,100 a year net, you can finish with median debt under $14,000, which is one of the lightest debt loads you'll find at a four-year school. The problem is the payoff: median earnings ten years out sit close to $43,500, well below what a bachelor's degree typically returns. The low debt keeps the math from turning ugly, but this isn't a school that vaults you into high income.
The 33.6% graduation rate is the risk that should worry you most. Two out of three students who start here don't finish on the tracked timeline, and if you borrow and leave without a credential, the cost stays while the earnings bump doesn't arrive. Since no bachelor-level program earnings are listed, treat the low sticker price as the main draw and confirm that your specific program has a real completion and transfer path before you commit.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $4,700 a year. Cross into the $75,000-$110,000 band and the price jumps to nearly $9,800, and above $110,000 it hits $12,400 , double what the lowest earners pay. For middle and upper-middle families, the aid discount shrinks fast.
This school fits you if you want to keep debt near zero, live in the Mount Vernon area, and use the low cost to start toward a transfer or a specific local job. Look elsewhere if you need a four-year degree with strong salary outcomes, because the earnings data here doesn't support that goal.
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.