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 keeps costs low, and that shapes the whole financial picture. With debt under $10,000 and net price well below $5,000 a year, you take on little financial risk here even if earnings after graduation land at the modest median. The problem is the return: median earnings ten years out sit close to $40,000, and a 33% graduation rate means most people who enroll don't finish.
The nursing associate program is the clear winner. It pays more than double what any other program here does, and even with the higher debt attached to it, the math works out fine given local demand for nurses in the Sacramento region. If you can get into and complete nursing, this is one of the best financial bets a two-year public college can offer.
Everything else pays far less. Accounting, legal support, and vehicle maintenance all land in the mid-to-high $30,000s. Those aren't bad numbers against a $4,628 net price, but they won't move you much past the school's overall median. Communication disorders sciences, at under $30,000, is the weakest earner on the list, and that credential usually only pays off if you continue to a graduate degree elsewhere.
Net price barely moves for lower-income families, and actually rises for higher earners. If your family makes under $48,000, you pay under $4,000 a year. Above $75,000, you pay more than double that. Either way the absolute cost stays low.
This school fits you if you want nursing, a specific vocational credential, or cheap transfer credits toward a four-year degree. The main risk isn't debt, it's not finishing. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll complete a program, because two-thirds of students here don't.
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.