Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Whatcom Community College at a Glance
Whatcom Community College is a public community college in Bellingham, Washington, United States, in Whatcom County. Established in 1967, Whatcom has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1976.
1967
59 years old
11,457
72 acres
Identity
Is Whatcom Community College Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Whatcom Community College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,092 — 18% below average — while paying $11,795/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Whatcom Community College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Whatcom Community College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WA
Ranked #111 of 194 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #111 | Whatcom Community College | 34 | $11,795 | $44,092 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Whatcom 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 Whatcom Community College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Whatcom 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 $11,795/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
- Bellingham, WA
- Student Body
- 2,378 students
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,795
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,092
- Median Student Debt
- $10,643