At $3,994/yr net price, Washington County Community College graduates earn $34,407/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $407/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,994 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,407/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$407/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 39.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,750/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,109/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,081/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,998/yr |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at Washington County 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
Washington County Community College offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your program choice and career goals. With a net price under $4,000 annually, the school keeps debt manageable, but the median earnings of $34,400 ten years after enrollment reflect the rural Maine job market's limited opportunities.
Your program selection determines your financial outcome at this school. Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically lead to stable employment in the region's hospitals and clinics. Business administration and accounting can work if you plan to stay local, where smaller employers value practical skills over credentials. However, liberal arts transfers face challenges since many graduates must leave Washington County to find career-level positions, potentially negating the low-cost advantage.
The 43% graduation rate presents a real financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll have debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This school works best for motivated students who know exactly what they want to study and can commit to finishing.
You should consider Washington County Community College if you're staying in eastern Maine, need affordable career training, or want to complete general education requirements before transferring. Look elsewhere if you need extensive student services, want diverse program options, or plan to work in competitive urban markets where a community college credential may not suffice.
With only 42% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price. The school offers limited merit scholarships, so your main cost advantage comes from the inherently low tuition rather than additional aid opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington County Community College worth the money?
Washington County Community College offers a low net price of about $4,000 per year, but graduates earn only $34,400 annually after 10 years. The return on investment is modest given the below-average graduation rate of 43%.
What is the job outlook for Washington County Community College graduates?
Graduates earn $34,400 per year on average, which is below the national median for community college graduates. The rural Maine location limits local job opportunities, though healthcare and trades programs may offer better prospects.
How much debt do Washington County Community College students typically have?
With a net price of $4,000 annually, students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students may accumulate costs without earning a credential.
Which programs at Washington County Community College have the best return on investment?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest earning potential in rural Maine. Business and liberal arts programs may provide limited local job opportunities given the regional economy.