Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,114
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,380
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $152/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. | Certificate | $73,635 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $67,101 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $66,941 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $36,674 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $27,439 |
Outcomes Overview
Cabrillo graduates earn a median of $44,114 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of just $14,380. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 33% beats most four-year schools and keeps monthly payments at $152. Graduates typically spend about 4% of their income on loan payments, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college serves as a pipeline for local healthcare, hospitality, and trades positions around Santa Cruz County. Many transfer to UC Santa Cruz or CSU Monterey Bay to complete bachelor's degrees. With 87% of graduates finding employment and relatively low debt loads, the financial math works. Strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career training or transfer preparation.