Wenatchee Valley College: $5,118 Tuition

$5,118Tuition

1,762Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,127Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wenatchee Valley College

This Washington state community college serves 1,762 students in the heart of apple country. Wenatchee Valley College has built its reputation around practical career training and transfer programs that help students launch their next chapter without drowning in debt. The campus sits in a small city known for outdoor recreation and agricultural industry, giving students access to both natural beauty and real-world internship opportunities.

Students pay an average net price of $10,733 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education. Graduates earn a median of $41,127 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $10,332 in median debt. The math works in students' favor here, with monthly loan payments averaging only $110. In-state tuition runs $5,118, and even out-of-state students pay just $5,652.

The student body is 62.43% women and reflects the region's demographics, with 49.26% Hispanic students and 35.93% white students. Nearly all students come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Knights compete in seven varsity sports with 148 total athletes. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention that larger universities can't match.

Academics & Faculty

Wenatchee Valley College serves as a stepping stone for students in Washington's apple-growing region, with 49% of students identifying as Hispanic. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in a community college setting designed for transfer preparation and workforce training. Students can expect strong support in agricultural programs, reflecting the region's economy, alongside traditional liberal arts coursework. However, the 39% graduation rate suggests many students transfer before completing degrees here or face challenges finishing their programs. The college's quarter system allows flexibility for working students. Career-focused programs prepare graduates for local industries, with 97% of students finding employment after completion.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,127

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$66,969
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$47,846
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$32,925
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$32,569

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

The Wenatchee Valley sits in the heart of Washington's apple country, about 150 miles east of Seattle across the Cascade Mountains. You'll need a winter coat here, as temperatures drop below freezing from December through February, though summers are warm and dry. With housing capacity for just 75 students and total enrollment of 1,762, only about 4% of students live on campus. Most commute from the surrounding valley communities.

Women make up 62.43% of the student body, and nearly half the students are Hispanic (49.26%), reflecting the area's agricultural workforce. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. With 7 varsity sports programs and 148 total athletes, the Knights compete in basketball, soccer, and other sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and work for most students. Many students work part-time jobs in the local orchards, retail, or healthcare facilities. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting Wenatchee's downtown riverfront, though many students return home to help with family responsibilities.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 75 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1939

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–36°F
July Avg: 57°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.6"
Annual Snowfall: -729.0"

Student Demographics

This community college draws students from across Washington's apple-growing region, with nearly 97% coming from in-state. The student body is almost half Hispanic, reflecting the area's agricultural workforce and the college's role in serving immigrant families seeking upward mobility. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs. With 27% receiving Pell Grants, Wenatchee Valley serves working-class students looking for affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training in agriculture, healthcare, and trades.

Men: 37.6%
Women: 62.4%
White: 35.9%
Black: 1.1%
Hispanic: 49.3%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 96.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.1%

Location

Wenatchee sits in central Washington's apple country, about 150 miles east of Seattle. The city of 35,000 residents lies in the Columbia River valley, surrounded by the Cascade Mountains. This region produces nearly 60% of America's apples, giving the area its nickname as the "Apple Capital of the World." Students here experience four distinct seasons with outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, from skiing at nearby Mission Ridge to hiking and river rafting. The college draws heavily from the local population, with 96.83% of students coming from in-state. Wenatchee blends small-town charm with agricultural industry, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Wenatchee Valley College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wenatchee, Washington 98801-1799

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,127
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,112
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $110/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,332

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wenatchee Valley College?

As a community college, Wenatchee Valley College maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The college serves 1,762 students with a strong focus on accessibility and workforce preparation in Washington's apple-growing region.

How much does Wenatchee Valley College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,733 annually, with low-income families (under $30,000) paying just $8,791. In-state tuition runs $5,118 while out-of-state students pay only $534 more at $5,652, making it one of the more affordable options in Washington.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wenatchee Valley College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. Nearly all students (96.83%) come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere focused on local workforce needs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Wenatchee Valley College?

The 4-year graduation rate stands at 38.54%, with graduates earning a median of $41,127 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $10,332 and monthly loan payments of just $110, reflecting the college's mission as an affordable pathway to career training.

Does Wenatchee Valley College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for only 75 students at $7,695 annually. Most students commute from the local area, as the college primarily serves as a regional community college for the Wenatchee Valley's agricultural and business communities.

What sports programs does Wenatchee Valley College offer?

The Knights compete in 7 varsity sports with 148 total athletes receiving $183,674 in athletic scholarships. The athletic programs emphasize both competition and academic success, supporting the college's role in developing well-rounded graduates for the local workforce.