At $693/yr net price, Cerritos College graduates earn $41,156/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,156/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $693 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $2,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,156/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,156/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,447 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $670/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,917/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,990/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,728/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 | $71,351 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $60,578 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $54,713 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,169 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
28.9% of students at Cerritos 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
Cerritos College delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $693 per year and strong earnings potential in healthcare programs. Your return on investment here depends heavily on your program choice.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $71,351 annually. Dental support services also provide solid returns at $60,578, while business administration graduates earn $54,713. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Southern California's healthcare-heavy job market.
The school's 28.9% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You need to complete your program to see any return, and roughly seven out of ten students don't finish. This makes program selection and personal commitment critical to your financial success.
Legal support services graduates earn just $35,594, which may not provide strong returns even at this low cost. Programs not listed in the top earners likely offer even weaker financial outcomes.
You're an ideal candidate if you're targeting healthcare careers and can commit to completion. The combination of rock-bottom costs and strong healthcare program outcomes makes this particularly attractive for career changers or those seeking practical skills training. With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price directly.
Skip Cerritos if you're undecided about your major or prone to dropping out. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, and without completion, you gain little from even this minimal investment. Focus elsewhere if you're seeking programs outside healthcare and business, as the earnings data suggests limited opportunities in other fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cerritos College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $693 per year, Cerritos College offers exceptional value with minimal debt risk. The nursing and dental programs deliver strong returns, with nursing graduates earning over $71,000 annually.
What is the job market like for Cerritos College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $41,156 after 10 years, which is solid for a community college. Healthcare programs like nursing and dental support consistently lead to higher-paying jobs in the $50,000-$70,000 range.
How much debt do students typically have after Cerritos College?
Students graduate with a median debt of just $8,447, making this one of the most affordable college options in California. The low cost structure minimizes financial risk even if career outcomes vary.
Does Cerritos College have good graduation rates?
The 29% graduation rate is typical for community colleges but reflects the reality that many students transfer or leave for work. Students in nursing and healthcare programs tend to complete at higher rates.