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 gives you one of the cheapest paths to a credential in Maine, but the earnings on the other end are modest. At under $4,000 a year net, your total out-of-pocket cost stays low even across a full program, and that low cost is the core of the financial case here. The catch is where it lands you: median earnings a decade out sit around $34,000, so this is a school that pays off through low cost, not high salaries.
The math works because the debt you take on is small. When two years costs less than a single year at many schools, even a modest paycheck clears the investment quickly. That makes WCCC a reasonable bet if you're aiming at the local Down East job market and want a trade or technical credential without borrowing heavily.
The 43% graduation rate is the real risk. If you don't finish, you carry whatever cost and loans you took on with no credential to show for it, and more than half of students here fall into that group. Low price protects you only if you complete the program.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay closer to $2,000 a year, while families above $75,000 pay roughly double that. Even the highest tier stays cheap by any standard.
This school fits you if you live in the region, want a technical or trade credential fast, and need to keep borrowing near zero. Look elsewhere if you're targeting a high-earning career or a bachelor's-level salary, because the earnings data here won't get you there on its own.
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.