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 keeps costs low, and that carries the whole financial case. At roughly $6,800 a year net, your total out-of-pocket stays modest even before any single paycheck arrives. Median earnings ten years out land near $44,500, which is not high, but the low price keeps the math workable.
The bigger risk here is the graduation rate. Only about a quarter of students finish, so the real question is not whether the price is affordable but whether you actually complete a credential to justify it. A cheap program you don't finish still costs you time and any loans you took. Treat completion as the main variable in your own decision.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for this school, so there's no way to point you toward a specific major that pays off or one that doesn't. If a program's outcomes matter to your choice, ask the college directly for placement and salary figures before committing.
The net price tiers barely move across income bands. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about the same as a family at $48-75k, and the $75-110k band actually pays the least. That flat structure means lower-income families don't get the steep discount you'd see at wealthier schools, so budget for close to full net price regardless of where you fall.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost credential near Seattle's job market and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you need strong graduation support to stay on track, or if you're counting on high early-career earnings to repay borrowing quickly.
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.