Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,092
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,643
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $113/mo
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 | $61,020 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,209 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,494 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,649 | $9,726 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $18,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Whatcom graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $10,643, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 24% against their $44,092 median salary. Monthly loan payments of $113 represent only 3% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 86.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Pacific Northwest's growing healthcare, technology, and skilled trades sectors. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter local industries like aviation maintenance at the nearby Boeing facility. With relatively low debt and solid earning potential in Washington's robust economy, Whatcom offers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation.