Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Spokane Community College at a Glance
Spokane Community College is a public community college in Spokane, Washington, United States. It is part of the Community Colleges of Spokane and was established in 1963.
1963
63 years old
9,212
148 acres
Identity
Is Spokane Community College Worth It?
Spokane Community College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $5,473/year, it's priced 73% below average, while graduates go on to earn $41,984 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 35% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Spokane Community College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WA
Ranked #23 of 220 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #23 | Spokane Community College | 68 | $5,473 | $41,984 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Spokane Community College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 22 in WA.
Best Programs at Spokane Community College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Spokane Community College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $5,473/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in WA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Spokane, WA
- Student Body
- 4,533 students
- Graduation Rate
- 35%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,473
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,984
- Median Student Debt
- $13,501