Yakima Valley College
Yakima Valley College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Yakima Valley College at a Glance
Yakima Valley College (YVC) is a public college in Yakima, Washington. It was founded as Yakima Valley Junior College in 1928 with Elizabeth Prior serving as the institution's first president. The college offers 5 Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs, 55 associate degree programs, and more than 100 certificates of achievement.
1928
98 years old
4,377
Identity
Is Yakima Valley College Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Yakima Valley College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,499 — 19% below average — while paying $11,843/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 31% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 Yakima Valley College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Yakima Valley College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WA
Ranked #160 of 204 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 |
| #160 | Yakima Valley College | 29 | $11,843 | $43,499 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Yakima Valley College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 23 in WA.
Best Programs at Yakima Valley College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Yakima 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 $11,843/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
- Yakima, WA
- Student Body
- 2,770 students
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,843
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,499
- Median Student Debt
- $13,966