At $6,078/yr net price, Cerro Coso Community College graduates earn $34,963/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $963/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,078 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,963/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$963/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,151/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,016/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,352/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,915/yr |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Cerro Coso Community 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
Cerro Coso Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice and career goals. The low annual cost of $6,078 makes this one of California's more affordable community college options, but the 26% graduation rate signals completion challenges that can derail your investment.
Your program selection will make or break your financial outcome here. Health science programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer strong regional job prospects in the Ridgecrest area, where healthcare workers are in demand. Trade programs in welding and automotive technology also align well with local military and industrial employers. Liberal arts and general education transfers carry higher risk since many students struggle to complete their associate degrees or successfully transfer to four-year universities.
The biggest financial risk at Cerro Coso is non-completion. With only one in four students graduating, you face real odds of accumulating debt and time without earning a credential. The remote location limits job opportunities if you don't complete your program or need to work while studying.
This school makes financial sense if you plan to enter a specific career field with local demand, particularly healthcare or trades. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive support services to stay on track academically or want access to diverse internship and job opportunities.
Financial aid coverage is unusually low, with only 14% of students receiving aid. This suggests either a student population that doesn't qualify for need-based assistance or limited institutional support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your return on this affordable but completion-challenged investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cerro Coso Community College worth the cost?
Cerro Coso offers a low net price of about $6,000 per year, making it affordable even with modest post-graduation earnings of $35,000. The main concern is the 26% graduation rate, which means many students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for Cerro Coso Community College?
With low costs and decent earnings for community college graduates, Cerro Coso provides reasonable value for students who complete their programs. The bigger risk is not graduating, which happens to about three-quarters of students.
How much debt do Cerro Coso Community College students typically graduate with?
Community colleges like Cerro Coso typically result in minimal debt due to low tuition costs and abundant financial aid. Most students pay the $6,000 annual net price through grants, work-study, or small loans.
Which programs at Cerro Coso Community College have the best job prospects?
Technical programs in healthcare, automotive technology, and skilled trades typically offer the strongest earning potential at community colleges. Liberal arts transfer programs can be worthwhile if you complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere.