Pasco, WA · Private University
Is Columbia Basin College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$46,680
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,194
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,239
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$32,956
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
5.67x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
27.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,829
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$8,302
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Columbia Basin College graduates earn $1,680 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Columbia Basin College ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
20 graduates
70 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Columbia Basin College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $85,196 | 10.3x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $70,534 | 8.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $61,775 | 7.5x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and ManagementLowest(1yr data) | $59,559 | 7.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Columbia Basin College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $46,680 10 years after starting, $1,680 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.