Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Whatcom Community College
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
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Your Aid
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Net Price
$12,411
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Whatcom Community College Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$11,795
Whatcom Community College Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$9,814
$30–48k
$10,010
$48–75k
$12,411
$75–110k
$17,032
$110k+
$19,441
Understanding Your Aid Package
Whatcom Community College has a sticker price of N/A per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
$48–75K families pay: ~$12,411/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$9,814/year
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$10,643
Range (25th–75th)$3,375 – $12,368
Median Parent PLUS Loans$12,952
Debt Manageability
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.4%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$44,092
Earnings Growth
+15%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$-10,077
21th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$24,360
25th %ile
$69,902
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Whatcom Community College Cost & Financial Aid
Whatcom Community College's published tuition is $19,672 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $12,411—a difference of $7,261.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $9,814 at Whatcom Community College. 21% of students receive Pell Grants.
Whatcom Community College offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Whatcom graduates is $10,643, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $113 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $19,441 at Whatcom—still $231 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
