At $6,206/yr net price, Spokane Community College graduates earn $41,984/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,984/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,206 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,824 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,984/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,984/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,501 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,951/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,152/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,773/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,382/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,615/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 | $65,983 | $17,658 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $62,409 | $18,211 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $44,942 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $35,954 | $16,222 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $32,925 | $14,679 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,925 | $18,807 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,702 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $31,038 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $30,635 | $13,931 |
The Risk Factor
37.3% of students at Spokane 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
Spokane Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but your program choice makes all the difference. The school's low net price of $6,206 annually creates a strong foundation for positive ROI, especially in healthcare and technical fields.
Nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success, with graduates earning $65,983 within ten years against manageable debt loads. Allied health diagnostic programs follow closely at $62,409, making SCC a smart choice if you want healthcare credentials without the cost of a four-year degree. Electromechanical instrumentation provides another strong option in Spokane's industrial job market.
Criminal justice and HVAC programs present weaker returns. Criminal justice graduates earn just $38,289 despite similar debt levels, while HVAC earnings of $35,954 barely justify the $16,222 in debt when you could learn similar skills through apprenticeships.
The 37% graduation rate creates significant risk. You face better than one-in-three odds of leaving without credentials, which would leave you with debt but no earning boost. This risk weighs heaviest if you lack strong study habits or clear career direction.
SCC works best if you want practical skills for Spokane's healthcare system, manufacturing sector, or technical industries. The low sticker price makes it affordable even without significant aid. Skip this school if you need a bachelor's degree for your career goals or want prestige value from your diploma. The relatively low aid percentage means you should not expect substantial merit scholarships, but the base price keeps costs reasonable for most Washington residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spokane Community College worth the money?
At $6,206 per year, Spokane Community College offers reasonable value if you pick the right program. Nursing graduates earn $66,000 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but many other programs lead to earnings below $40,000.
What are the best paying programs at Spokane Community College?
Registered Nursing ($66,000) and Allied Health programs ($62,400) offer the strongest returns at Spokane Community College. Technical programs like electromechanical instrumentation ($45,000) also pay decently, while criminal justice graduates typically earn just $38,000.
How much debt do Spokane Community College graduates have?
Spokane Community College graduates leave with a median debt of $13,501, which is manageable for nursing and health programs but concerning for lower-paying fields. The low graduation rate of 37% means many students accumulate debt without finishing their programs.
Do Spokane Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduate outcomes at Spokane Community College depend heavily on your major. Health program graduates typically find stable, well-paying work, but the overall 10-year earnings of $42,000 suggests many programs struggle to deliver strong job prospects.