At $9,090/yr net price, South Puget Sound Community College graduates earn $45,039/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,039/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,090 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,039/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,039/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,414/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,796/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,415/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,385/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,913/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $26,353 | $19,663 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,455 | $10,998 |
The Risk Factor
42.0% of students at South Puget Sound Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
South Puget Sound Community College offers solid financial value for students targeting specific career paths, though your program choice makes all the difference. At $9,090 annually with median debt of just $11,000, the school keeps costs manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
Computer Systems Networking stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $48,849 within ten years. This program delivers strong ROI in Washington's growing tech sector, particularly given Olympia's proximity to Seattle and Tacoma tech hubs. Allied Health programs provide steady middle-class earnings at $33,993, making them worthwhile for students seeking healthcare careers without the debt burden of longer programs.
However, several programs present concerning returns. Nursing graduates earn just $26,353 despite accumulating $19,663 in debt, a surprisingly low figure that may reflect limited local hospital systems or part-time employment patterns. Legal Support Services and Business Administration also cap out at $26,353, barely providing living wages in the Puget Sound region where housing costs continue climbing.
The school works best for students with clear technical career goals who can complete programs quickly and enter the workforce. With only 22.91% of students receiving financial aid, many pay out-of-pocket, making the low sticker price important. You should avoid this school if you need extensive academic support, given the 42% graduation rate, or if you're considering programs outside of technology fields.
Focus on completing your program efficiently and leverage the school's industry connections in Olympia's government and healthcare sectors. Transfer agreements with four-year schools provide additional value if you later decide to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Puget Sound Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $9,090 per year and graduates earning $45,039 annually after 10 years, the financial return is reasonable for a community college. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at South Puget Sound Community College?
Computer Systems Networking leads with graduates earning $48,849 annually. Most other programs including nursing, business, and legal support cluster around $26,353, which is significantly below the computer networking track.
How much debt do South Puget Sound Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is manageable for community college graduates. This relatively low debt load helps improve the overall return on investment compared to four-year institutions.
Does South Puget Sound Community College have good job placement?
The school's 10-year earnings data of $45,039 suggests decent employment outcomes for graduates. The computer networking program shows particularly strong earning potential at nearly $49,000 annually.