At $9,608/yr net price, Whatcom Community College graduates earn $44,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,608 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,643 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,510/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,745/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,893/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,888/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
36.4% of students at Whatcom 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
Whatcom Community College offers weak overall financial returns, with median earnings of just $44,092 ten years after enrollment despite relatively low costs. Your financial outcome depends heavily on which program you choose.
The nursing program delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $61,020 annually, making it the clear financial winner at Whatcom. Allied health programs also perform reasonably well at $40,209. However, most other popular majors produce concerning results. Business graduates earn only $27,494 despite completing a degree program, while liberal arts majors face particularly poor prospects at $24,649 with nearly $10,000 in debt.
The 36% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll likely carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs. This risk is especially concerning given that Whatcom serves many first-generation college students who may lack family support systems.
Whatcom makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and can successfully complete the program. The low net price of $9,608 means manageable debt loads for these higher-earning fields. However, you should seriously reconsider attending if you're interested in business, liberal arts, or therapeutic services programs where earnings barely justify the time and money invested.
The college's limited financial aid reach affects only 18% of students, so don't expect significant merit scholarships. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program. If you're uncertain about your major or have struggled academically in the past, the combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in most programs makes Whatcom a risky financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whatcom Community College worth the cost?
Whatcom Community College offers decent value at $9,608 per year, especially for nursing programs that lead to $61,020 median earnings. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which reduces overall return on investment.
What programs at Whatcom Community College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing and allied health programs provide the strongest returns, with nursing graduates earning $61,020 and allied health graduates making $40,209. Liberal arts and somatic bodywork programs show weaker earning potential at $24,649 and $18,771 respectively.
How much student debt do Whatcom Community College graduates have?
Whatcom Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,643, which is manageable for nursing and allied health careers but may be challenging to repay with lower-earning programs like liberal arts or bodywork.
Do Whatcom Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings average $44,092 after 10 years, but this varies significantly by program. Nursing graduates do well while liberal arts graduates earn below the national average for college graduates.