At $7,272/yr net price, City College of San Francisco graduates earn $45,805/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,805/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,272 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,805/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,805/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,218 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,859/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,097/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,465/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,263/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,070/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 | $92,632 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $88,198 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $69,338 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $33,281 |
The Risk Factor
39.6% of students at City College of San Francisco 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
City College of San Francisco delivers strong ROI if you choose the right program, but program selection makes the difference between financial success and struggle. At $7,272 per year with low debt loads, the school offers one of the most affordable pathways to career training in expensive San Francisco.
The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating $92,632 in median earnings that justify the investment many times over in a city where healthcare workers command premium wages. Allied health programs also perform well at $88,198, reflecting San Francisco's strong medical sector demand. Liberal arts graduates earn a surprising $69,338, likely benefiting from the city's diverse economy and transferring to four-year institutions.
Avoid the business-focused programs. Accounting graduates earn just $35,060 despite San Francisco's high cost of living, while hospitality management pays $33,281 in a city where rent alone often exceeds that amount. These programs trap you in low-wage work in an expensive market.
The 39.6% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to plan for. However, the low 17.1% aid percentage suggests most students pay the already-low sticker price without additional debt burdens. Your total debt of around $8,218 remains manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
This school works best if you target healthcare programs or plan to transfer after completing general education requirements affordably. Skip City College if you want business training or need extensive support services to finish your degree. The location advantage only pays off in high-demand fields that can cover San Francisco living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City College of San Francisco worth the money?
City College of San Francisco offers solid value with a low net price of $7,272 per year and minimal debt of $8,218. However, the 39.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $45,805 after 10 years are modest for the Bay Area's high cost of living.
What are the best paying programs at City College of San Francisco?
Nursing programs at City College of San Francisco lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $92,632 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $88,198, while hospitality management graduates earn just $33,281.
How much debt do City College of San Francisco graduates have?
City College of San Francisco graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $8,218. The low debt combined with the affordable $7,272 annual cost makes this school financially accessible for most students.
Does City College of San Francisco have a good graduation rate?
City College of San Francisco has a low graduation rate of 39.6%, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This significantly reduces the school's value since students who don't graduate miss out on the degree's earning potential while still incurring costs.