At $4,616/yr net price, Chabot College graduates earn $48,143/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,143/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,616 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,143/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,143/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,300/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,532/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,704/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,901/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 | $69,338 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $63,225 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $42,123 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at Chabot College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Chabot College gives you a low-cost path with a middling payoff. Net price runs $4,616 a year, median debt lands at $9,500, and ten years out the median earner makes $48,143. That debt figure is small enough that even a modest salary clears it, which is the core reason this school works financially. The catch is the 41% graduation rate , the numbers only pay off if you finish, and most students here don't within the standard window.
Your major decides everything. The associate in registered nursing pays $69,338, and dental support services pays $63,225 , both feed directly into Bay Area healthcare employers that pay well and hire steadily. Either one puts you more than $20,000 above the general liberal arts and sciences track at $42,123. If you enroll here for the general studies path without transferring to a four-year school, you are looking at earnings barely above the school-wide median for a credential that costs you two years.
The main risk is starting a program and not completing it. You take on some debt and lose earning years without the credential that justifies them. Nursing and dental programs also carry limited seats and clinical requirements, so a spot isn't guaranteed.
This is a strong fit if you want a Bay Area healthcare career or plan to transfer, and you can keep costs down while you do it. If you come from a family earning under $48,000, you pay around $3,300 to $3,532 a year , a genuinely cheap entry point. Families over $110,000 pay $10,901, still low for California. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's-level career and treat Chabot as a terminal stop. the general studies earnings don't support that plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chabot College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $4,616 per year, Chabot College offers decent value for specific programs like nursing ($69,338 earnings) and dental support ($63,225). However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and liberal arts graduates earn just $42,123 after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Chabot College?
Nursing programs lead with $69,338 in median earnings 10 years after graduation, followed by dental support services at $63,225. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $42,123, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Chabot College graduates typically have?
Median debt is $9,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low net price of $4,616 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students who complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Chabot College and why does it matter?
Only 41% of students graduate, meaning nearly 6 out of 10 don't complete their programs. This low completion rate increases the risk of having debt without a credential, especially for students who struggle academically or financially.