Cascadia College

Cascadia College's median 10-year earnings are $54,133 with a median debt of $6,368, yielding an ROI score of 162. This suggests a reasonable return, particularly for in-state students, though it may not place graduates among the highest earners.

The graduation rate at Cascadia College is 36.9%.

Cascadia College has an in-state tuition of $5,157 and an Affordability Score of 90, making it a highly affordable option for residents of Washington.

Alumni of Cascadia College typically earn a median of $54,133 ten years after entering the program.

The admission rate for Cascadia College is not available in the provided data, making it impossible to assess its selectivity.

Cascadia College, as a public community and technical college, operates on an open-door admissions policy, meaning it generally does not have a selective acceptance rate in the traditional sense. The primary requirement for admission is typically a high school diploma or GED. International students will have additional English proficiency requirements. The college aims to provide access to higher education for all eligible residents of Washington State. Therefore, it's not about 'getting in' based on competitive scores, but rather meeting the basic eligibility criteria. Prospective students should ensure they have completed the necessary application forms, provided transcripts, and met any placement testing requirements for course registration. The focus is on providing educational opportunities rather than filtering applicants based on academic merit. This open-door approach makes Cascadia highly accessible, prioritizing opportunity and equity for its student population.

Cascadia College is generally considered a very worthwhile investment, especially for students prioritizing affordability and a pathway to further education or regional employment. With an in-state tuition of just $5,157 annually and a remarkably low median debt of $6,368, the financial burden is significantly lower than at four-year universities. The median 10-year earnings of $54,133, coupled with the low cost, result in a strong ROI score of 162. This indicates that graduates can expect to earn substantially more than their investment in education, with a rapid debt payoff timeline. For students intending to transfer to a bachelor's degree program, Cascadia offers an affordable way to complete their first two years of general education and foundational courses before moving to a university like UW Bothell. For those entering the workforce directly, the college's location in the economically vibrant Seattle metropolitan area provides access to numerous job opportunities. The value is amplified by its strategic location and focus on career-relevant programs.

Cascadia College excels in providing foundational programs that serve as excellent springboards for further study or direct entry into specific industries. Given its location and the regional economy, programs in **Computer Science** and **Information Technology** are highly recommended, preparing students for the booming tech sector in the Seattle area. **Business Administration** is another strong area, offering pathways to various roles in management, marketing, and finance. For students interested in healthcare, programs like **Nursing** (often as a pre-nursing track for transfer) and **Health Sciences** are valuable, aligning with the significant healthcare industry presence in the Puget Sound region. The college also offers strong **General Studies** pathways, allowing students to explore interests before committing to a specific major, which is ideal for those planning to transfer to a four-year institution. The 'best' major depends on individual career aspirations, but these areas align well with regional job market demands and transfer opportunities.

Student life at Cascadia College is characterized by its focus on academic achievement and career preparation within a smaller, more intimate campus environment. As a primarily commuter and transfer-oriented institution, the social scene may be less traditional than at a residential university. However, the college offers various student clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests, from academic societies to cultural groups. The Associated Students of Cascadia College (ASCC) provides student governance and advocates for student needs. Campus events, workshops, and leadership opportunities are available to foster engagement. Given its location adjacent to UW Bothell, there are opportunities for cross-campus interaction and access to some shared facilities and events. While not a hub for traditional college parties, student life emphasizes community building, academic support, and preparing students for their next steps, whether that's transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce. The smaller size allows for more personalized interactions with faculty and staff.

Cascadia College is committed to making education accessible and provides a range of financial aid options to eligible students. This includes federal and state grants, such as the Pell Grant and Washington State Need Grant, which do not require repayment. The college also offers institutional scholarships funded by private donors and community partners, awarded based on merit, need, or specific program participation. Federal student loans are available, though students are encouraged to exhaust grant and scholarship options first due to the low cost of tuition. Work-study programs offer part-time employment opportunities on campus or with approved off-campus employers. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Cascadia's financial aid office provides personalized counseling to help students navigate the application process and understand their aid packages, which can significantly reduce the already low tuition costs and make attending college even more affordable.

The median earnings for Cascadia College graduates 10 years after enrollment are reported at $54,133. This figure represents an average across all programs and reflects the diverse career paths alumni pursue. Graduates who transfer to four-year institutions and complete bachelor's degrees, particularly in high-demand fields like technology or healthcare, can expect significantly higher starting salaries and long-term earning potential within the Seattle metropolitan area. For instance, entry-level tech roles in Seattle can start in the $70,000-$90,000 range, while positions in healthcare often offer competitive compensation. Those entering the workforce directly after associate degrees may see starting salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on the industry and specific role. The value of a Cascadia degree is often amplified by its role as a stepping stone; the $54,133 median earnings are a strong indicator of success for those who enter the workforce directly or use it as a foundation for further education.

Cascadia College does not offer on-campus housing or traditional dormitories. As a primarily commuter college, students are expected to arrange their own housing in the surrounding Bothell area or commute from their homes. This model contributes to the college's lower operational costs and, consequently, its affordable tuition. While there are no dorms, the college does provide resources to assist students in finding off-campus housing options and navigating the local rental market. Students often find apartments or shared housing in Bothell, Woodinville, or other nearby communities. The lack of on-campus housing means that the student experience is less centered around a traditional residential campus life, but it also allows students to live in more diverse housing situations and potentially lower their overall living expenses compared to institutions with mandatory, expensive housing.

Cascadia College, while primarily focused on associate degrees and transfer pathways, does offer opportunities for students to engage in research, particularly in STEM fields. Its close proximity and partnership with the University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell) provide a significant advantage. Students can often participate in undergraduate research projects alongside UW Bothell faculty or utilize resources available through the shared campus environment. Faculty at Cascadia themselves may be involved in research and can mentor students interested in academic inquiry. While Cascadia may not have the extensive research infrastructure of a large research university, it fosters an environment where students can develop research skills through coursework, capstone projects, and directed study opportunities. For students aiming for graduate studies, engaging in research at Cascadia or UW Bothell can be a crucial step in building a competitive profile for admission to top-tier graduate programs.

Cascadia College compares favorably to other Washington State community and technical colleges, particularly in its strategic location and affordability. Peers like Shoreline Community College and North Seattle College offer similar transfer pathways and associate degrees. However, Cascadia's specific advantage lies in its direct adjacency to UW Bothell and its position within the growing Bothell tech corridor, offering potentially stronger internship and job placement opportunities in technology and biotech. Its in-state tuition is among the lowest, and its median debt is significantly lower than many institutions, even within the community college system. While graduation rates at community colleges can vary, Cascadia's 36.9% rate is comparable, highlighting the common challenge of student retention in commuter-focused environments. Cascadia's strength is its focused approach on transfer readiness and regional workforce alignment, making it a highly efficient choice for students targeting the Seattle-area job market or aiming for seamless transfer to a UW system campus.

Employers in the Seattle metropolitan area generally view degrees from Cascadia College positively, especially when the graduate has completed a specific program aligned with industry needs or has successfully transferred to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Cascadia's reputation is built on providing a solid academic foundation and practical skills relevant to the regional economy. Companies actively recruiting in the tech, healthcare, and business sectors within the Puget Sound area recognize the quality of education offered by Washington's public institutions. Employers value graduates who demonstrate strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a readiness to learn. For those entering the workforce directly with an associate degree, employers will look for relevant internships, certifications, and practical experience gained through Cascadia's programs. The college's focus on transfer pathways also means that employers are familiar with graduates who have matriculated to respected four-year universities, further validating the quality of their initial education at Cascadia.