At $28,309/yr net price, Sumner College graduates earn $46,639/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,639/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,309 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,639/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,639/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,261/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,386/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,997/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 | $70,009 | $28,637 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $49,814 | $16,322 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $31,799 |
The Risk Factor
78.9% of students at Sumner College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Sumner College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $46,639 ten years after graduation despite a net price of $28,309 annually. Your investment will likely underperform compared to many community colleges and public universities in the Portland area.
The nursing programs offer the only strong ROI at this school. Registered nursing graduates earn $70,009 annually, making the higher debt load of $28,637 manageable. The practical nursing programs also show decent returns at around $50,000 in earnings with lower debt of $16,322. These healthcare tracks benefit from Oregon's strong medical job market and aging population.
Avoid the legal support services program entirely. Graduates earn just $31,799 annually, creating a poor return on your investment in a for-profit environment. This salary barely covers living expenses in Portland's expensive housing market.
You face specific risks as a for-profit student. Employers may view your degree less favorably than those from public institutions. Transfer credits often do not move to other schools if you need to change paths. The 78.9% graduation rate means one in five students leave without finishing.
Sumner College works financially only if you plan to enter nursing and can complete the program efficiently. Healthcare-focused students with clear career goals may find value here. Everyone else should consider Portland Community College or Portland State University for better returns on investment. The school's limited program variety and high costs relative to outcomes make it a poor choice for exploratory students or those in non-healthcare fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sumner College worth the cost?
Sumner College's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $50,000-$70,000 annually, making the $28,309 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like Legal Support Services only lead to $31,799 salaries.
What is the return on investment for Sumner College graduates?
Overall graduate earnings average $46,639 after 10 years, which is modest given the school's cost. The nursing programs offer much better ROI than the school's average, while legal support graduates may struggle to justify the expense.
How much debt do Sumner College students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $16,500, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, graduates in lower-paying programs may find even this amount difficult to repay on starting salaries around $32,000.
Which Sumner College programs are worth the investment?
Nursing programs clearly offer the best value, with graduates earning $50,000-$70,000 annually. Legal support and other non-nursing programs produce much lower earnings that may not justify the college's price tag.