At $10,733/yr net price, Wenatchee Valley College graduates earn $41,127/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,127/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,733 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,127/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,127/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,332 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,791/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,496/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,650/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,566/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,815/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 | $66,969 | $13,363 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
39.6% of students at Wenatchee Valley 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
Wenatchee Valley College offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your program choice. The registered nursing program delivers strong earnings at $66,969 annually, making it one of the few clear winners despite carrying slightly higher debt at $13,363. Other healthcare programs show decent returns, with allied health services reaching $47,846 in median earnings.
The school's 39.6% graduation rate poses a significant financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs, which typically means carrying debt without the credential to boost earnings. Your $41,127 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the investment unless you land in healthcare.
Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies earn only $32,569 annually, making this program financially questionable given the time and cost investment. The relatively low median debt of $10,332 helps, but many programs still don't generate enough earning power to make the investment worthwhile.
This school works financially if you can get into nursing and actually graduate. The low percentage of students receiving aid at 27.05% suggests limited financial assistance, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. For career changers or working adults in the Wenatchee Valley seeking nursing credentials, the program makes financial sense. Everyone else should carefully evaluate whether their chosen program actually improves their earning potential enough to justify the costs and time commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wenatchee Valley College worth the cost?
Wenatchee Valley College offers solid value with a low net price of $10,733 annually and modest debt loads averaging $10,332. However, the 39.6% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Wenatchee Valley College?
Nursing programs at Wenatchee Valley College lead to the strongest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $67,000 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $47,846, while automotive repair programs average $32,569.
How much debt do Wenatchee Valley College graduates have?
Wenatchee Valley College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $10,332. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment compared to more expensive institutions.
Do Wenatchee Valley College graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings at Wenatchee Valley College average $41,127 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with healthcare fields offering much stronger earning potential than the average.