At $22,585/yr net price, The Evergreen State College graduates earn $45,320/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,320/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,585 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,320/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,320/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,969/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,956/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,430/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,683/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,934/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $55,770 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $53,984 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Bachelor | $24,730 | $20,982 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $23,558 | $18,458 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at The Evergreen State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The Evergreen State College presents a challenging financial picture with graduates earning a median of $45,320 ten years after graduation against annual costs of $22,585. With only a 44% graduation rate, you face significant completion risk at this unconventional Washington public college.
Teacher education stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $55,770 in median earnings. Public administration also delivers solid returns at $53,984. These programs justify the investment and align with regional demand in the Pacific Northwest government sector. Natural resources conservation offers moderate returns at $42,682, fitting for a state with strong environmental industries.
Liberal arts and humanities graduates face steep financial headwinds with median earnings of just $23,558 against nearly $20,000 in debt. Biological and physical sciences perform similarly poorly at $24,730. These programs leave you with negative returns that may take decades to overcome.
Evergreen's experimental, narrative-evaluation approach appeals to specific students but creates workforce uncertainty. The 68% retention rate signals many students struggle with the unstructured environment. Your risk increases if you need clear career preparation or traditional credentials that employers recognize.
This college works financially if you pursue teacher education or public administration and can handle the alternative academic structure. The relatively low debt levels help, but only if you actually graduate. You should look elsewhere if you want conventional programs, need clear career pathways, or plan to study liberal arts without specific post-graduation plans. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings in popular majors creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Evergreen State College worth the cost compared to other schools?
The Evergreen State College graduates earn $45,320 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,585 per year and a 44% graduation rate, the return on investment is weaker than most four-year colleges.
What programs at The Evergreen State College have the best job outcomes?
Teacher education graduates from The Evergreen State College earn around $55,770, making it the highest-paying program. Public administration ($53,984) and natural resources conservation ($42,682) also show decent returns, while liberal arts graduates average just $23,558.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from The Evergreen State College?
The median debt for The Evergreen State College graduates is $20,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with lower-than-average earnings potential, even this debt level may be challenging to repay for some graduates.
Should I attend The Evergreen State College if I'm concerned about earning potential?
The Evergreen State College works best for students prioritizing the unique educational experience over high earnings. With below-average graduate salaries and a low graduation rate, students focused primarily on financial returns should consider other options.