# Whatcom Community College

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whatcom-community-college

## Overview

- **Location:** Bellingham, WA
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Far West
- **Enrollment:** 2,378
- **Predominant Degree:** Associate's

Whatcom Community College is an ideal choice for students seeking a practical, community-focused education. With around 2,378 enrolled students, it offers a supportive environment where individuals can thrive in top programs like Humanities, Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, and Education. What stands out is the college's emphasis on accessible learning, making it a good fit for those looking to gain skills that directly translate into the workforce.

Looking at life after graduation, the average earnings for graduates 10 years post-degree is $44,092. This figure provides a clear indication of the potential return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 36%, it's essential to note that while not every student may complete their program, those who do can expect meaningful opportunities in various fields. The affordability factor is also significant, as the net price after financial aid stands at $11,795, making it a solid option for students mindful of their budget.

The financial landscape for students at Whatcom is manageable, with a median debt of $10,643 after graduation. This lower debt load can be a significant advantage, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with less financial pressure. The college attracts individuals who are focused on practical skills and career readiness. It's a place where students can cultivate their interests, gain valuable experience, and step confidently into their futures.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $5,115 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,037 |
| Average Net Price | $11,795 |
| Median Debt | $10,643 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 21% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 5% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $9,814 |
| $30K-$48K | $10,010 |
| $48K-$75K | $12,411 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $19,441 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 36% |
| Retention Rate | N/A |
| Earnings (6yr) | $38,429 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $41,372 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $44,092 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.24x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 150.88% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 1637.6% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 921.3% |
| Parent Median Income | $78,400 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.23 |
| Friending Bias | 0.03 |
| Volunteering Rate | 11.2% |
| Support Ratio | 0.97 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Humanities | 45% |
| Health Professions | 17% |
| Business & Marketing | 15% |
| Computer Science & IT | 10% |
| Education | 6% |
| Engineering | 1% |
| Legal Studies | 1% |
| Physical Sciences | 1% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 8 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #15 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-washington)
- #15 in [Best Business Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-washington)
- #15 in [Best Data Science Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-washington)
- #16 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-washington)
- #20 in [Best Master's Programs in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-washington)
- #20 in [Best Education Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-washington)
- #21 in [Best Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-washington)
- #31 in [Most Affordable Colleges in Washington](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-washington)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Whatcom Community College — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whatcom-community-college