At $9,321/yr net price, Tacoma Community College graduates earn $47,168/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,168/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,321 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,168/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,168/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,917/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,186/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,903/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,824/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $63,005 | $13,094 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,814 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,823 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $13,941 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,839 | $10,983 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,615 | $10,975 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,824 |
The Risk Factor
32.8% of students at Tacoma 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
Tacoma Community College delivers solid financial returns for students pursuing healthcare careers but offers limited value in most other fields. The school's median graduate earnings of $47,168 represent strong performance for a two-year institution, driven primarily by nursing and allied health programs that consistently place graduates in well-paying regional positions.
Your best financial bet centers on healthcare programs. Nursing graduates earn $61,814 annually with typical debt loads around $13,000, creating excellent payback potential. Allied health diagnostic programs perform similarly at $63,005. These programs align well with Tacoma's hospital systems and expanding healthcare sector, where demand for skilled technicians remains high.
Legal support services graduates face tougher economics, earning $38,289 with comparable debt loads. Health administration programs show weaker returns at $35,060, barely exceeding what many graduates could earn without college credentials. The 32.8% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely.
You face specific risks at TCC beyond low completion rates. The school's location limits job market access compared to Seattle-area institutions, and many programs prepare you for roles that don't require degrees. With only 24% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
TCC makes financial sense if you're committed to healthcare careers and need affordable, local training. The nursing program particularly offers strong regional job placement. Avoid TCC if you're exploring general education or transferring to four-year programs, where completion risks and limited transfer agreements could waste both time and money. Focus elsewhere if you're unsure about healthcare careers, since the school's non-medical programs rarely justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tacoma Community College worth the cost?
Tacoma Community College offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $9,321 annually and median debt of only $13,000. However, the 33% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $47,168 after 10 years are modest compared to four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Tacoma Community College?
Health programs dominate the highest-earning options, with allied health diagnostic fields averaging $63,005 and nursing programs earning $61,814. These programs offer strong ROI that justifies the college costs, unlike some other career tracks that lead to lower wages.
How much debt do Tacoma Community College graduates have?
The median debt load is $13,000, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. This low debt burden helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
Should I choose Tacoma Community College over a four-year university?
Tacoma Community College makes financial sense if you're pursuing healthcare programs or need affordable credits to transfer later. For other fields, the low graduation rate and limited earning potential may make four-year schools a better long-term investment despite higher upfront costs.