Is Portland Community College worth it?

Portland, OR · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $10,405 a year after aid, graduate with $12,999 in federal debt, and earn $37,160 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $139, with a debt break-even of about 3.5 years.

Net price / year

$10,405

Admission rate

0%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$12,999

Earnings (6 yr)

$37,160

Earnings (10 yr)

$44,592

Est. monthly loan payment

$139

Loan-to-income ratio

35%

Debt break-even

3.5 years

How Portland Community College compares

MetricPortland Community CollegeOregonNational
Net price$10,405$16,158$16,642
Median debt$12,999$13,412$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$37,160$33,728$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend Portland Community College?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $10,405 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do Portland Community College graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at Portland Community College leave with a median federal debt of $12,999, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do Portland Community College graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $37,160, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at Portland Community College?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is Portland Community College worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.5 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.