At $5,743/yr net price, Chaffey College graduates earn $42,975/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,975/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,743 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,975/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,975/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,001/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,594/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,016/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,816/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,819/yr |
The Risk Factor
31.9% of students at Chaffey 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
Chaffey College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning above the national average for two-year institutions. Your investment of around $11,500 for a two-year program typically pays for itself within the first year of post-graduation employment.
The college's strongest financial opportunities lie in its technical and healthcare programs, which align well with the Inland Empire's growing logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Nursing, automotive technology, and welding programs consistently place graduates into jobs paying $45,000 to $60,000 annually. Business administration and computer information systems also show strong local demand, though starting salaries tend toward the lower end of the range.
Liberal arts transfer programs present mixed returns. If you're planning to transfer to a four-year university, Chaffey's low cost makes it an excellent financial stepping stone. However, stopping at an associate degree in liberal arts limits your earning potential significantly compared to career-focused programs.
The 32% graduation rate signals completion risk. Many students take longer than two years to finish, increasing your total costs. The relatively low financial aid percentage means you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket, though this also means lower debt loads.
Chaffey works best financially if you're career-focused, live locally to avoid housing costs, and can commit to full-time study. The school makes less sense if you're undecided about your major or need extensive academic support to succeed. Consider the four-year universities in the area if you're certain about pursuing a bachelor's degree and can afford the higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chaffey College worth the money compared to other schools?
Chaffey College offers decent value with a net price of $5,743 annually and graduates earning $42,975 after 10 years. The low cost makes it financially accessible, though the 32% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Chaffey College degrees?
With total costs around $11,500 for an associate degree and median earnings of $43,000, students can typically recover their investment within 3-4 years. However, this assumes graduation, which only about one-third of students achieve.
Do Chaffey College graduates have high student debt?
Student debt risk is relatively low at Chaffey College due to the affordable tuition and strong financial aid programs. Most students who complete programs graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year institutions.
Which Chaffey College programs have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs, automotive technology, and business certificates typically offer the strongest employment outcomes at Chaffey College. These career-focused programs align well with local industry demand in the Inland Empire region.