At $8,815/yr net price, Southwestern Oregon Community College graduates earn $38,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,815 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,466/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,190/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,314/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,301/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,774/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 | $62,260 | $16,045 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $27,947 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $22,932 | $12,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 | $10,862 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Southwestern Oregon Community 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
Southwestern Oregon Community College delivers solid financial returns if you choose the right program, but picking poorly will leave you struggling financially. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $62,260 annually against $16,045 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment, especially given nursing demand in rural Oregon.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial outcome here. Precision metal working graduates earn $27,947 with minimal debt, creating decent returns for skilled trades work in the coastal lumber and fishing industries. However, liberal arts graduates face harsh financial reality with earnings of just $19,227 annually. Culinary arts falls into similar territory at $22,932, which barely covers living expenses in Oregon.
The 38% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. You face real chances of accumulating debt without finishing your credential, particularly problematic given the regional job market's limited opportunities outside healthcare and trades. The rural Coos Bay location restricts your job options if your chosen field lacks local demand.
This school works financially if you target nursing or skilled trades and can commit to completion. The relatively low $8,815 annual cost makes experimentation less costly than at four-year schools. You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts education or plan to transfer, as the poor completion rates and weak earnings in general studies create financial dead ends.
Financial aid reaches only 36% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning programs and leveraging the low sticker price rather than counting on significant aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Oregon Community College worth the money?
Southwestern Oregon Community College offers good value if you stick to high-paying programs like nursing, which leads to $62,260 median earnings. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and liberal arts graduates earn just $19,227 annually.
What are the best paying programs at Southwestern Oregon Community College?
Nursing programs at Southwestern Oregon Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $62,260 annually. Precision metal working pays $27,947, while culinary arts and liberal arts programs result in much lower earnings around $20,000-23,000.
How much debt do Southwestern Oregon Community College graduates have?
Southwestern Oregon Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for those earning under $25,000 in other programs.
What is the graduation rate at Southwestern Oregon Community College?
Only 38% of students graduate from Southwestern Oregon Community College. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree that improves job prospects.