At $4,632/yr net price, Butte College graduates earn $41,810/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,810/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,632 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,810/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,810/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,104/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,220/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,836/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,770/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 | $90,960 | $12,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $56,641 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $56,415 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $26,739 | $7,500 |
The Risk Factor
32.0% of students at Butte 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
Butte College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $90,960 annually against just $12,000 in debt, creating an strong payback scenario that justifies the investment within two years.
Criminal justice and allied health programs also perform well, generating mid-50s salaries that easily cover the school's low $4,632 annual net price. However, the social sciences program tells a different story, with graduates earning just $26,739 annually. This creates a concerning income-to-debt ratio that makes loan repayment challenging.
The 32% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Butte College. If you don't complete your program, you'll face debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. This risk particularly affects students who struggle with the self-direction that community college requires.
Butte College makes financial sense if you're targeting healthcare, criminal justice, or skilled trades where employers value associate degrees and certifications. The low sticker price and moderate debt levels create manageable financial obligations for graduates who land jobs in their field.
You should look elsewhere if you're planning to transfer to a four-year university for liberal arts majors, as the return on investment becomes unclear without the bachelor's degree. The school works best for students who want direct entry into the Northern California job market rather than extended academic study.
With only 34% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay out of pocket. The low net price makes this feasible for many California residents, but out-of-state students face significantly higher costs that weaken the value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butte College worth the cost?
Butte College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,632 per year and graduates earning $41,810 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide excellent returns with median earnings around $91,000, though the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Butte College?
Registered nursing leads with $90,960 in median earnings, followed by criminal justice at $56,641 and allied health programs at $56,415. Social sciences graduates earn significantly less at $26,739, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Butte College students graduate with?
Butte College graduates have a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. Most students can pay this off reasonably quickly with typical post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Butte College?
Only 32% of Butte College students graduate, which is a significant concern for ROI. Students should have realistic expectations about completion and consider whether they're prepared for the academic demands.