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 costs almost nothing to attend. At $693 a year net, the financial risk here is close to zero, and the median debt of $8,447 is a fraction of what a four-year degree loads onto you. The question isn't whether you can afford it. It's whether you finish and what you study.
The nursing associate degree is the standout payoff. It clears $71,000 ten years out, which is more than $30,000 above the school-wide median earnings of $41,156. Dental support and allied health/medical assisting also land above $50,000. These are the programs worth your time. Legal support services, at $35,594, sits below the median for the whole school, so if that's your plan, know you're aiming lower than the campus average.
The real risk is graduation. Fewer than three in ten students finish. If you drop out, you leave with some debt and no credential to show for the health-career salaries that make this school pay off. The low net price only works in your favor if you complete a program that leads somewhere.
On cost by income: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $700 a year, which is essentially free. Between $48,000 and $75,000, it jumps to about $2,900, and above $110,000 you're at $6,728. Even the top tier is cheap compared to almost any four-year option.
This is a strong financial fit if you're headed into nursing, dental, or medical assisting and you're committed to finishing. If you want a bachelor's-level career or a field not on the high-earning list, treat Cerritos as a low-cost transfer step and check that your credits move with you. The earnings ceiling here is real, and the associate degrees that pay are concentrated in health care.
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.