At $4,628/yr net price, American River College graduates earn $40,162/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,162/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,628 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,162/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,162/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,744/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,788/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,369/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,022/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at American River 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
American River College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your major choice makes or breaks the investment. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $92,632 annually, making the $12,750 median debt easily manageable with a payback period under two years.
The accounting program offers solid middle-income prospects at nearly $40,000 per year, while legal support services and automotive repair provide stable earning potential in the mid-to-high $30,000 range. However, communication disorders graduates face concerning returns at just $29,685 annually, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the low 32.7% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credentials needed for higher-paying positions. The college serves Sacramento's job market well, particularly for healthcare and skilled trades, but generic liberal arts transfers may struggle with career placement.
American River works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, accounting, or skilled trades with clear local job demand. The $4,628 annual cost keeps debt manageable for most programs, and with only 19.89% of students receiving aid, many families can afford the sticker price.
Skip this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the high-earning specialties. The graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, making this a poor choice for anyone lacking clear career direction or strong study habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American River College worth the cost?
American River College offers good value with a low net price of $4,628 per year and median debt under $10,000. However, the 33% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $40,162 after 10 years are modest unless you complete a high-paying program like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at American River College?
Nursing programs at American River College lead to the highest earnings at $92,632 annually, making them excellent ROI choices. Accounting ($39,729) and legal support services ($37,568) also offer decent returns, while other programs may struggle to justify even the low costs.
How much debt do American River College graduates have?
American River College graduates carry a median debt of $9,625, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the risk from the school's low graduation rate.
Does American River College have good job placement after graduation?
American River College's job outcomes vary dramatically by program. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries, but the overall 33% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their programs, limiting career benefits.