At $10,402/yr net price, Yakima Valley College graduates earn $43,499/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,499/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,402 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,499/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,499/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,966 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,106/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,655/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,646/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,200/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,344/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $67,660 | $14,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $10,551 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,055 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,667 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,403 | $8,575 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at Yakima 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
Yakima Valley College delivers poor overall financial returns, with median graduate earnings of $43,499 falling well below what you'd expect from a four-year degree investment. The 34% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without finishing their programs.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Dental support services and nursing graduates earn $69,338 and $67,660 respectively, creating solid returns that justify the investment. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $50,856. These healthcare-focused tracks align with strong regional demand in the Yakima Valley's medical sector.
Business administration shows troubling inconsistency, with graduates earning anywhere from $28,055 to $42,682. This wide variation suggests program quality issues or limited local opportunities for business majors in the area's agriculture-heavy economy.
The low debt load of $13,966 provides some cushion against poor earnings outcomes, but only 38% of students receive financial aid. This suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities and minimal institutional support for cost reduction.
Yakima Valley College works financially if you enter a healthcare program and actually graduate. The nursing program's $14,000 debt load against $67,660 earnings creates excellent returns. However, the institution's low completion rates create significant risk that you'll accumulate costs without earning a degree.
Skip this school if you're considering business programs or lack strong academic preparation. The combination of weak regional job markets outside healthcare and low graduation rates makes YVC a risky investment for most students. Community colleges in the area may offer better value for general education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yakima Valley College worth the cost?
Yakima Valley College offers solid value for specific programs, with a low net price of $10,402 per year and median debt of just $13,966. However, the 34% graduation rate is concerning, and overall earnings of $43,499 ten years after enrollment are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Yakima Valley College?
Dental support services ($69,338) and nursing programs ($67,660) offer the strongest earning potential at Yakima Valley College. Allied health programs also pay well at $50,856, while business administration shows mixed results ranging from $28,055 to $42,682 depending on the specific track.
How much debt do Yakima Valley College students typically have?
Yakima Valley College students graduate with relatively low debt, with a median of $13,966. The low annual net price of $10,402 helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Yakima Valley College?
Only 34% of students graduate from Yakima Valley College, which is below the national average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students may not see the return on their investment.