At $3,800/yr net price, Citrus College graduates earn $42,065/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,065/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,800 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,065/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,065/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,851 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,561/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,401/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,611/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,151/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,545/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 | $74,576 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $9,286 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Citrus 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
Citrus College delivers solid financial value for a community college, with low costs and strong returns in select programs. Your total debt burden stays minimal at under $8,000, while the $3,800 annual net price makes this one of the more affordable pathways to career training in California.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $74,576 annually. This represents strong ROI given the low program costs and positions you competitively in Los Angeles County's healthcare job market. Criminal justice graduates earn $29,685, which provides decent returns for the investment but falls below regional law enforcement salary averages.
Business and cosmetology programs show concerning earnings outcomes. Business graduates earn just $21,508 annually, barely above minimum wage levels for full-time work. Cosmetology shows particularly weak returns at $9,286, making it difficult to justify even the minimal program costs.
The 44% graduation rate presents a significant completion risk. You face nearly even odds of not finishing your program, which would leave you with debt and no credential. This risk weighs heavily against programs with weaker earning potential.
Citrus College works best if you target the nursing program specifically or plan to transfer to a four-year school after completing general education requirements cheaply. The school makes less financial sense for standalone certificates in business or cosmetology. With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, you may need to pay most costs out of pocket, though the low sticker price keeps this manageable for most California families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citrus College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $3,800 per year, Citrus College offers one of the lowest net prices in California. The nursing programs deliver strong returns with median earnings of $74,576, but other programs like cosmetology ($9,286) and business ($21,508) show weaker financial outcomes.
What is the job market like for Citrus College graduates?
Citrus College graduates earn a median of $42,065 ten years after starting college. Nursing graduates see the strongest job prospects, while graduates in other programs may struggle to reach middle-class incomes.
How much student debt do Citrus College students typically have?
Students who borrow at Citrus College graduate with a median debt of $7,851. This relatively low debt burden makes the college accessible, though only 44% of students complete their programs.
Which Citrus College programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Citrus College provide the best ROI, with graduates earning around $74,576 annually. Other programs like cosmetology and general business offer much lower earning potential relative to the time invested.