Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Peninsula College

Peninsula College graduates start behind but gain ground quickly—though that still leaves them trailing most alternatives. First-year earnings of $23,117 sit in the bottom quarter of both Washington state programs and the national pool, roughly $4,000 below what similar degrees deliver elsewhere. The debt load of $8,713 is manageable in absolute terms, but represents a higher burden relative to those low initial earnings compared to most community colleges in the state.

The encouraging news is the 36% earnings jump to $31,425 by year four, which closes much of the gap. That trajectory suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the local economy, likely moving from initial part-time or entry-level positions into more stable work. Still, even after this growth, Peninsula graduates earn less than what Spokane Community College, Highline, or Everett grads make right out of the gate—and far below the $47,000 that Northwest University's program delivers.

For families in the Port Angeles area where commuting options are limited, Peninsula offers an affordable stepping stone that improves employment prospects over time. But if your student can access other Washington community colleges—particularly those in the Puget Sound region where year-one earnings run $5,000-$10,000 higher—those programs deliver better returns from day one. This works as a local option when geography dictates the choice, not as a destination program.