Location: Pasco, WA•In-State Tuition: $6,194•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,239
Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,559
56th percentile
40th percentile in Washington
Median Debt
$18,618
31% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.31 ManageableSample: 31 graduates

Analysis

Columbia Basin College delivers something unusual in tech education: exceptionally low debt paired with earnings that beat the national average but trail other Washington programs. At $18,618, graduates carry just two-thirds the typical debt load for this degree nationwide—placing this program in the 95th percentile for affordability. The first-year salary of $59,559 edges above the national median, yet sits $6,500 below Washington's state median, suggesting local market dynamics may limit earning potential compared to Seattle-area programs.

The 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio tells the practical story: graduates owe roughly four months of their starting salary, a manageable burden that allows quicker financial freedom than most IT programs. For families prioritizing affordability—especially those benefiting from in-state tuition at this community college—the financial risk is minimal. However, parents should weigh this against the earnings gap: Western Washington University grads start $13,000 higher, though presumably with more debt.

This program works best for students seeking a cost-effective entry into tech rather than maximum earning potential. The combination of low debt and above-average national earnings creates a solid foundation, even if Washington's competitive tech market means faster wealth-building may require additional credentials or strategic job hunting. For families watching every dollar, the limited debt exposure makes this a low-risk pathway into IT careers.

Where Columbia Basin College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer/information technology administration and management bachelors's programs nationally

Columbia Basin CollegeOther computer/information technology administration and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Columbia Basin College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Columbia Basin College earns $60k — 56th percentile among computer/information technology administration and management bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Columbia Basin CollegePasco$6,194$59,559—$18,6180.31
Western Washington UniversityBellingham$9,286$72,675———
National Median—$58,056—$27,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer/information technology administration and management graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Project Management Specialists

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

$100,750/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

$96,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Columbia Basin College, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.