At $10,168/yr net price, Umpqua Community College graduates earn $36,676/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,676/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,676/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,676/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,930/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,840/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,675/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,810/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,581/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 | $70,736 | $13,437 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,824 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,356 | $8,455 |
The Risk Factor
31.8% of students at Umpqua 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
Umpqua Community College delivers strong returns for specific career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $70,736 annually against modest debt of $13,437, creating an excellent payback timeline in Oregon's healthcare market.
The financial picture splits sharply by major choice. Health and medical administrative services graduates earn $25,824, while legal support services leads to $24,035 in median earnings. Liberal arts and humanities graduates face the weakest prospects at $21,356 annually, barely doubling the program's cost and limiting career advancement without transfer to a four-year institution.
Your biggest risk lies in the 31.8% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs. This creates substantial financial danger if you struggle with completion or choose UCC without clear career goals. The relatively low debt levels of $9,000 median provide some protection, but incomplete programs offer no return.
UCC makes financial sense if you target nursing or healthcare administration and can commit to program completion. The school works well for career changers seeking practical skills in healthcare, where regional demand in rural Oregon supports job placement. Skip UCC if you want liberal arts education as an end goal rather than a transfer pathway.
With only 31.7% of students receiving aid, most pay close to the full $10,168 annual cost. The school offers limited merit scholarship opportunities, making completion speed your primary cost control strategy. Focus on programs with clear local job markets rather than general studies that require additional education to generate meaningful returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Umpqua Community College worth the cost?
Umpqua Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $10,168 annually and minimal debt averaging $9,000. However, the 32% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $36,676 after 10 years are modest for most career goals.
What are the best paying programs at Umpqua Community College?
Nursing programs at Umpqua Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $70,736 annually. Health administration and legal support services offer more modest returns at $25,824 and $24,035 respectively.
How much debt do Umpqua Community College graduates typically have?
Umpqua Community College graduates carry relatively low debt loads with a median of $9,000. This manageable debt level helps offset the school's lower-than-average earnings outcomes for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Umpqua Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate from Umpqua Community College, which is below national community college averages. This low completion rate represents a significant risk factor when considering the school's overall value.