Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,162
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,625
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $102/mo
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 | $92,632 | $12,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,141 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| American Sign Language. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $24,421 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $18,315 |
Outcomes Overview
American River College graduates enter the workforce with relatively manageable debt loads. The median debt of $9,625 represents just 24% of first-year earnings of $40,162, well below the recommended 10-20% threshold for monthly payments. Monthly loan payments of $102 consume about 3% of typical graduate income. The college's strong ties to Sacramento's healthcare, government, and technical sectors help explain the impressive 90% employment rate. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter careers in nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. With low debt burdens and solid earning potential in California's capital region, American River College delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation.