Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,700 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,800 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,907/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,432/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,113/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,693 |
The Risk Factor
42.6% of students at Tillamook Bay Community 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
Tillamook Bay Community College costs about $4,700 a year net, one of the cheaper options you'll find for a two-year public school. That low sticker price is the strongest part of the financial case here, because the earnings data behind it is thin and not encouraging.
The only program with reported earnings is the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degree, which pays around $23,700 a year. That's a transfer-oriented degree, not a career credential, and $23,700 is close to entry-level wage work. If you finish this associate and stop there, the payoff is weak. It makes financial sense only as a stepping stone to a four-year school, where the real earning power would come later.
The 42.6% graduation rate is the risk you should watch most. More than half of enrolled students don't finish, and an unfinished degree still leaves you with the cost and none of the credential. At a school this affordable the dollar losses are smaller than at a pricey university, but a stalled start is still a stalled start.
The net price tiers barely move by income. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $3,900. the $48-75k range actually pays more, around $6,100. That's still low in absolute terms, so cost won't be the thing that stops you at any income level.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost place to knock out general-education credits and transfer, and you're committed to finishing and moving on. Look elsewhere if you want a specific career credential with proven local earnings, because the data here doesn't show one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tillamook Bay Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,700 per year, Tillamook Bay Community College offers affordable education, but the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs. The low cost helps minimize financial risk, but completion rates are concerning.
What is the return on investment for Tillamook Bay Community College graduates?
Graduates in the top programs earn around $23,693 annually, which provides modest returns given the low tuition costs. However, with nearly 60% of students not graduating, the actual ROI depends heavily on program completion.
Which programs at Tillamook Bay Community College have the best job prospects?
The college focuses primarily on Liberal Arts and General Studies programs, which typically lead to transfer opportunities rather than direct career entry. Students planning to transfer to four-year schools may find better value than those seeking immediate employment.
How much debt do Tillamook Bay Community College students typically graduate with?
The low annual cost of $4,700 means students can minimize debt, especially with financial aid. Most community college students graduate with little to no debt compared to four-year institutions.