At $7,402/yr net price, Spokane Falls Community College graduates earn $38,955/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,955/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,402 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,955/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,955/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.4% |
| 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 | $5,315/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,233/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,661/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,532/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,726/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,000 | $15,466 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,459 | $15,588 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $22,485 | $11,756 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,748 | $10,732 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $20,687 |
The Risk Factor
30.4% of students at Spokane Falls 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 Falls Community College offers weak financial returns for most programs, with median earnings of just under $39,000 ten years after graduation against relatively low debt loads. The school's 30% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting stands out as the only program delivering solid returns at $43,000 annually, though you'll carry higher debt at $15,466. Mental and Social Health Services graduates earn $33,459 but face similar debt levels. The remaining programs show poor earnings outcomes, with Liberal Arts and Design graduates earning around $20,000 to $22,000 annually despite completing degrees.
Your biggest financial risk here is not finishing. With seven out of ten students failing to graduate, you could accumulate debt without earning credentials that boost your income. The low earnings across most programs also mean you'll struggle to pay off even modest debt loads quickly.
This school makes financial sense if you're targeting healthcare fields and confident you'll complete your program. The low net price of $7,402 keeps costs manageable for career switchers or those needing affordable training in medical assisting roles. However, you should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts, design, or media programs, where the earnings simply don't justify the time and money invested.
With only 29% of students receiving aid, most families pay the full net price. Focus on completing quickly in a high-earning program rather than banking on significant financial aid to reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spokane Falls Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,402 annually and median debt of only $12,000, Spokane Falls Community College offers reasonable value for specific career paths. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Spokane Falls Community College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs lead with $43,000 average earnings, while Mental Health Services programs average $33,459. Liberal Arts and Design programs typically earn much less at around $20,000-22,000 annually.
How much debt do Spokane Falls Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load helps make the investment worthwhile for students who complete health-related programs.
Do Spokane Falls Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Average earnings of $38,955 ten years after enrollment are modest but reasonable for a community college. Your earning potential depends heavily on your program choice, with health careers paying significantly more than liberal arts.