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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other end. You borrow little and pay little, but the payoff ten years out sits below what a bachelor's degree typically returns. This is a place to keep your costs down while you build credits or a workforce credential, not a place to expect a big salary jump.
The debt number is the strongest point here. Carrying a median that stays well under a single year's earnings means you can walk away without a loan that follows you for a decade. That matters most if you transfer to a four-year school afterward, since you keep your borrowing low for the first two years and take on debt only later, closer to a degree that pays more.
The graduation rate is the risk you have to weigh. Fewer than a third of students finish, so the low price only works in your favor if you actually complete your program or transfer with credits intact. If you stall out partway, you've spent time and some money without the credential that lifts earnings.
On price by income, families under $48k pay close to $9,000 a year, while families over $110k pay nearly $16,000. The school shields lower-income families somewhat, but the gap is smaller than at schools with deeper aid, so higher earners here pay closer to sticker.
This is a good fit if you want an affordable start, plan to transfer, or are chasing a specific job credential in the Tacoma area. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree in one place with strong completion odds and higher earnings. the finishing rate and mid-$40k median earnings make that a weaker bet here.
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.