Analysis
Is a bachelor's in real estate worth pursuing at a community college in one of the country's most competitive housing markets? Based on national benchmarks from similar programs, graduates can expect around $54,665 in first-year earnings against roughly $21,353 in debtβa manageable 0.39 ratio that suggests the degree should pay for itself within six months of work. For context, this aligns with the national median for real estate bachelor's programs, which typically produce similar outcomes regardless of institution prestige.
What makes this picture uncertain is the lack of actual data for North Seattle College specifically. With only two schools offering real estate bachelor's programs in Washington, and neither reporting verifiable outcomes, you're essentially betting that this program will match what happens at dozens of other schools nationwide. The relatively low debt estimate is encouraging, but Seattle's cost of living could quickly erode any advantage if graduates struggle to break into the local market without the connections that larger universities might provide.
The practical question is whether a community college credential opens the same doors in Seattle's tight-knit real estate industry. If your child already has local connections or plans to work in residential sales where licensing matters more than pedigree, the modest debt load makes this a reasonable risk. Without those advantages, however, you're investing in an unproven program while competing against graduates from schools with established industry pipelines.
Where North Seattle College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Real Estate bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,058 | $54,665* | β | $21,353* | β | |
| $68,237 | $98,763* | β | $19,500* | 0.20 | |
| $64,701 | $75,702* | $101,813 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $60,438 | $74,912* | β | $20,500* | 0.27 | |
| $11,205 | $73,239* | $100,995 | $20,500* | 0.28 | |
| $12,859 | $72,769* | $72,701 | $19,000* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | β | $54,665* | β | $21,126* | 0.39 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with real estate graduates
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Real Estate Brokers
Real Estate Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
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 North Seattle College, approximately 14% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 28 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.