At $4,638/yr net price, Allan Hancock College graduates earn $42,786/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,786/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,638 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,786/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,786/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,829/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,944/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,312/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,797/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $81,333 |
The Risk Factor
27.5% of students at Allan Hancock College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Allan Hancock College costs you around $4,600 a year net, and the median graduate earns about $43,000 a decade out. That's a low upfront bet with a modest payoff, and the math works only if you finish and pick the right program. The 27.5% graduation rate is the problem. Nearly three in four students don't complete, and a credential you don't earn returns nothing on the time and money you put in.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here. It pays about $81,000, nearly double the school-wide median. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, this is one of the strongest two-year returns you'll find anywhere at this price. Outside nursing, no other program is listed with standout earnings, so the median tells the story: expect wages closer to $43,000 for most paths, which is fine for a near-free credential but not a ticket to high income.
The main financial risk is dropping out. At under $5,000 a year the debt exposure is small, but time spent without a degree is the real cost. Nursing programs are also competitive and capacity-limited, so plan for a possible wait or a backup path.
The net price barely moves by income until you cross $48,000. Families under $48,000 pay roughly $3,900. above that it climbs to $6,300 and then $7,800. Even the top tier here is cheap compared to most colleges, so cost shouldn't be what keeps you out.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or using it as a low-cost start before transferring. If you want a high-paying degree straight out and aren't headed into nursing, the earnings data doesn't promise much beyond the local median.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allan Hancock College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $4,638 per year, Allan Hancock College offers one of the lowest net prices among California colleges. However, the 27.5% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages for community colleges.
What are the highest paying programs at Allan Hancock College?
Nursing programs at Allan Hancock College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates earning around $81,333 annually. Other programs typically result in much lower earnings closer to the overall average of $42,786.
Do Allan Hancock College graduates have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects depend heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates do well financially, but the low 27.5% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.
Should I choose Allan Hancock College for my nursing degree?
Allan Hancock College's nursing programs offer strong earning potential at $81,333 annually and the school's low cost makes it financially attractive. The key is successfully completing the program, which requires commitment given the school's overall completion challenges.