At $6,802/yr net price, South Seattle College graduates earn $44,486/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,486/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,802 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,486/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,486/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,149/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,592/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,748/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,822/yr |
The Risk Factor
26.2% of students at South Seattle 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
South Seattle College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice and career goals. The low net price of $6,802 annually creates a solid foundation for positive ROI, but the 26% graduation rate presents significant completion risk that you must factor into your decision.
Healthcare programs at South Seattle College typically offer the strongest financial outcomes, with nursing and medical assistant tracks leading to stable employment in Seattle's strong healthcare market. Culinary arts and hospitality management also show promise given the region's restaurant and tourism sectors. Liberal arts and general studies programs carry higher financial risk due to less direct career pathways and lower earning potential relative to program length.
The biggest financial risk at South Seattle College is not completing your degree. With only one in four students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt and time investment without the credential needed for career advancement. Transfer students from four-year institutions seeking specific certificates face better completion odds than traditional freshmen.
South Seattle College makes financial sense if you're pursuing a specific vocational program with clear job prospects, especially in healthcare or skilled trades. The low cost structure means even moderate post-graduation salaries can generate positive returns. However, if you're undecided on career direction or considering general studies, the completion risk outweighs the cost savings.
Financial aid is limited, with less than 10% of students receiving assistance. This actually works in your favor if you qualify for need-based aid, as competition is lower than at traditional four-year colleges. Focus on completing prerequisite courses efficiently and transferring to a university if your career goals require a bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Seattle College worth the cost?
South Seattle College offers decent value with a net price of $6,802 per year and graduates earning $44,486 annually after 10 years. However, the 26% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What is the job market like for South Seattle College graduates?
South Seattle College graduates earn about $44,486 ten years after starting school, which is reasonable for a community college. The earnings vary significantly by program, with healthcare and skilled trades typically offering better pay than general education tracks.
How much debt do South Seattle College students typically have?
With a net price of $6,802 per year, South Seattle College students can keep debt relatively low compared to four-year universities. The bigger financial risk is not completing a program, which happens to nearly three-quarters of students.
Which programs at South Seattle College have the best ROI?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest return on investment at South Seattle College. Skilled trades and technical certificates also tend to pay off better than transfer-focused associate degrees.