At $12,347/yr net price, Barstow Community College graduates earn $35,104/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,104/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,347 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,104/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,104/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 44.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $3,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,140/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,029/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,871/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,648/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Barstow Community 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
Barstow Community College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. Your median earnings of $35,104 ten years after enrollment barely justify the $12,347 annual net price, especially when paired with a 33% graduation rate that leaves two-thirds of students without completing their programs.
The earnings data reveals concerning limitations in program quality. Social Sciences graduates earn just $26,353 annually, well below what you need to comfortably repay education costs and build financial stability. This suggests the college struggles to connect students with higher-paying career paths in the Mojave Desert region's limited job market.
The low median debt of $3,500 provides the only bright spot in an otherwise dim financial picture. You face minimal borrowing risk compared to four-year institutions, but this advantage gets overshadowed by poor completion rates and weak earning potential.
Barstow Community College works financially only if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at lower cost. Local students seeking basic certifications with minimal debt exposure might also find value, but you should verify that specific programs lead to viable local employment.
Avoid this college if you need strong career outcomes or reliable graduation prospects. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings makes it unsuitable for students depending on education as their primary path to financial mobility. Consider community colleges in larger California markets where regional job opportunities support better post-graduation earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barstow Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $12,347 and graduates earning only $35,104 after 10 years, Barstow Community College offers poor return on investment. The low graduation rate of 33% means two-thirds of students don't finish, making it a risky financial choice.
How much debt do Barstow Community College graduates have?
The median debt at Barstow Community College is $3,500, which is relatively low for college debt. However, with graduate earnings of just $35,104, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to repay quickly.
What are the best paying programs at Barstow Community College?
Social Sciences and General Studies are the top programs at Barstow Community College, but graduates in these fields earn only $26,353 annually. This is significantly below the national average and makes most programs poor investments.
Should I attend Barstow Community College for financial aid?
While financial aid may reduce your costs at Barstow Community College, the school's 33% graduation rate and low graduate earnings of $35,104 suggest limited career benefits. Consider schools with better completion rates and earning outcomes.