Cerro Coso Community College Outcomes

Cerro Coso graduates earn a median of $34,963 ten years after starting college, which reflects the school's role as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. With minimal student debt (only 1.02% take federal loans), most graduates avoid the crushing payments that plague four-year college students. The low earnings make sense because many students transfer to complete bachelor's degrees or enter trades like automotive repair, welding, or healthcare support roles common in the rural Mojave Desert region. At $25,400 six years out, early earnings lag behind national averages, but the near-zero debt load means graduates keep what they earn. For students seeking affordable workforce preparation or transfer credits, this represents a strong return on investment.