Students at Centralia College benefit from exceptionally low costs that make higher education accessible without significant financial risk.
The college's affordability advantage places it among the most cost-effective options nationwide for students beginning their educational journey.
Centralia College is a small public community college in Washington state that prioritizes affordability and accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly half of students are first-generation college attendees, and the institution keeps costs exceptionally low across all income levels, with net prices ranging from about $7,200 for low-income students to around $10,100 for middle-income families. This affordability focus places Centralia in the top 10% nationally for keeping education costs manageable.
While long-term earnings outcomes are more modest compared to four-year institutions, with graduates earning a median of $43,140 ten years after enrollment, the college serves an important role as an accessible starting point for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. The completion rate of about 46% reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations, but also demonstrates that nearly half of students successfully complete their programs.
As an "Opportunity Builder" institution, Centralia College focuses on providing educational access rather than driving dramatic economic mobility, serving students who need affordable options to begin their educational journey or gain specific career skills in the Washington state region.
As a small community college, Centralia College focuses its program offerings on regional workforce needs and transfer preparation rather than maintaining the extensive program catalog found at larger institutions. The college typically emphasizes practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in fields like healthcare support, business services, skilled trades, and public safety, along with strong academic transfer programs for students planning to complete bachelor's degrees at four-year universities.
The limited program data reflects Centralia's focused approach to serving local and regional needs rather than trying to offer comprehensive academic breadth. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and more personalized attention in programs designed to provide either direct career preparation or solid academic foundations for transfer. The college's strength lies in its ability to provide quality education at an exceptionally affordable price point, making it an attractive option for students who want to minimize debt while gaining valuable skills or completing prerequisites for further education.
Graduates of Centralia College earn a median of $43,140 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the institution's role as a community college focused on accessible career preparation and transfer pathways. Six years after enrollment, median earnings are $35,989, showing steady but modest income growth over time. The earnings trajectory is typical for community college graduates who often enter fields like healthcare support, business services, and skilled trades that provide stable employment in the local and regional economy.
Earnings outcomes vary significantly based on program choice and whether students transfer to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere. Students who complete career-focused programs in high-demand fields often see stronger early returns, while those using Centralia as a stepping stone to four-year institutions may see their earnings potential realized later in their educational journey. The college's small size means program offerings are focused on regional workforce needs rather than offering the breadth found at larger institutions.
While absolute earnings levels are lower than those seen at four-year universities, the return on investment can still be positive for students who keep borrowing minimal and enter stable employment quickly after graduation. The key for Centralia students is leveraging the low-cost education to either gain immediate job skills or transfer successfully to complete bachelor's degrees that unlock higher earning potential.
Centralia College excels at keeping education affordable for students across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,196 annually after aid, middle-income families pay around $10,081, and even higher-income students see net costs of only $8,039 per year. These figures place Centralia in the top 10% nationally for affordability, making it one of the most cost-effective higher education options available to Washington state residents.
The college's commitment to affordability means most students can complete their programs with minimal debt. Federal student loan debt data is limited, but the low net prices suggest many students can cover costs through grants, work-study, and family contributions without heavy borrowing. For families who do use Parent PLUS loans, the typical amount is about $11,336, which is manageable given the short duration of most community college programs.
This affordability structure makes Centralia particularly valuable for students who want to explore higher education without taking on significant financial risk. Whether students plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or transfer to complete bachelor's degrees, the low upfront costs provide flexibility and reduce the financial pressure that can derail educational goals at more expensive institutions.
Centralia College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
