Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee Valley College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wenatchee Valley College at a Glance
Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) is a public college in Wenatchee, Washington, United States. The college provides students with adult education classes, certifications, associate degrees, and four bachelor's degrees.
1939
87 years old
5,800
Identity
Is Wenatchee Valley College Worth It?
Wenatchee Valley College offers moderate value at $9,722/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $41,127, which is 24% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% 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 Wenatchee Valley College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WA
Ranked #43 of 149 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #5 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #6 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #43 | Wenatchee Valley College | 44 | $9,722 | $41,127 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Wenatchee Valley College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 16 in WA.
Best Programs at Wenatchee Valley College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Wenatchee Valley 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 $9,722/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
- Wenatchee, WA
- Student Body
- 1,759 students
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,722
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,127
- Median Student Debt
- $10,332