At $8,913/yr net price, Washington State Community College graduates earn $37,988/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,988/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,913 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,988/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,988/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,591/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,981/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,745/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,956/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,456/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 | $52,107 | $14,950 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | $16,895 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,960 | $9,767 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,822 | $11,025 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,824 |
The Risk Factor
32.1% of students at Washington State 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
Washington State Community College delivers uneven financial returns, with nursing programs offering solid payback but most other paths leading to modest earnings that barely justify the investment.
Your best financial bet is the registered nursing program, which produces $52,107 median earnings with manageable debt levels. This creates a strong return given the $8,913 annual cost and positions you well in Ohio's healthcare job market. Allied health diagnostic programs also generate reasonable returns at $39,369, though with higher debt loads.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside healthcare. Most programs fail to deliver earnings that significantly outpace what you might earn with just a high school diploma, making the time and money investment questionable. The 32% graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning two out of three students leave without completing their programs.
The school works financially if you can secure admission to competitive nursing programs and complete them successfully. You benefit from relatively low costs and the ability to enter Ohio's stable healthcare employment market. The limited financial aid availability means you need to pay most costs upfront or through loans.
Skip this school if you want programs outside healthcare or if you struggle with academic completion. The low graduation rate suggests many students encounter significant barriers to finishing. You face better odds at schools with stronger completion rates and more diverse high-earning program options. The modest median debt of $11,000 provides some cushion, but only if you actually graduate and find employment in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington State Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,913 per year and median earnings of $37,988 ten years after graduation, Washington State Community College offers decent value for students who complete their programs. However, the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Washington State Community College?
Registered nursing programs lead with median earnings of $52,107, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $39,369. These healthcare-focused programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to other options at the school.
How much debt do Washington State Community College graduates have?
The median debt load is $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. For nursing graduates earning over $50,000, this debt level represents a reasonable investment.
What is the graduation rate at Washington State Community College?
Only 32% of students graduate from Washington State Community College. This low completion rate means that most students who enroll will not finish their programs, making the investment risky for many.