At $13,328/yr net price, Cabrillo College graduates earn $44,114/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,114/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,328 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,114/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,114/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,380 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,951/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,688/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,439/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,583/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Cabrillo 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
Cabrillo College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but choosing poorly will leave you financially worse off than before you enrolled. The healthcare programs here significantly outperform the college's overall median earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning $73,635 annually against just $15,000 in debt.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, earning nearly 70% more than the college average. Dental support services and allied health diagnostic programs also justify their costs with salaries above $65,000. These healthcare tracks benefit from California's high medical wages and the strong job market along the Central Coast.
Avoid the medical assisting program, which produces graduates earning just $29,685 while carrying similar debt loads to higher-paying healthcare specialties. The 38% graduation rate signals that many students leave without credentials, making debt without a degree a real risk.
You face geographic limitations here. Santa Cruz County's cost of living means even the $44,114 median earnings provide modest purchasing power. If you plan to stay local after graduation, factor in housing costs that can consume 40-50% of entry-level salaries.
This college works best for career changers seeking specific healthcare credentials or students using it as an affordable stepping stone to four-year programs. With only 22% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay the full $13,328 annual cost. The low aid percentage suggests limited institutional scholarships, so explore California's community college fee waivers if you qualify based on income.
Skip Cabrillo if you're exploring general studies or unsure of your career direction. The completion rates and job outcomes favor students with clear professional goals in healthcare fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrillo College worth the cost?
Cabrillo College offers solid value for students who complete nursing or allied health programs, which earn $66,000-$73,000 annually. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and general program graduates earn just $44,114 per year.
What programs at Cabrillo College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Cabrillo College provide the strongest ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning $73,635 annually. Allied health and dental support programs also pay well at $66,000-$67,000, making them worth the $13,328 annual cost.
How much debt do Cabrillo College students graduate with?
Cabrillo College graduates carry a median debt of $14,380, which is manageable for nursing and health program graduates but may be challenging for other majors earning around $44,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Cabrillo College and why does it matter?
Only 38% of students graduate from Cabrillo College, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This creates significant risk of taking on debt without earning a degree that improves job prospects.