At $9,280/yr net price, College of Alameda graduates earn $42,563/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,563/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,280 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,563/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,563/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,181/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,959/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,901/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,552/yr |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at College of Alameda 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
College of Alameda gives you a modest but real financial return. At about $9,280 a year in net price, you can finish a two-year program for under $20,000 and land at median earnings around $42,500 a decade out. That's not a high salary for the Bay Area, but the low cost keeps the math workable if you graduate.
The graduation problem is the real risk here. Only about a third of students finish. If you're in the two-thirds who leave without a credential, you've paid tuition and lost time without the earnings bump that makes this school worth it. Your return depends almost entirely on whether you actually complete a program.
The net price tiers matter a lot for planning. If your family earns under $48k, you pay roughly $8,000-$9,000 a year, which the school partly offsets with aid. But the jump above $48k is steep: families in the $48-75k range pay close to $11,900, and those in the $75-110k band pay over $15,500. If you're a middle-income family, you get less help than lower-income families while still paying two-year prices, so budget for the full sticker.
This school fits you if you're cost-conscious, live near Alameda, and plan to either finish a career-technical program or transfer to a four-year school to boost earnings past the $42,500 median. It's a weaker fit if you're paying middle-income net prices and unsure you'll graduate, since the completion odds cut against you. Treat the low price as the main draw and build a concrete plan to finish before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Alameda worth the cost?
College of Alameda offers good value with a net price of $9,280 per year and graduates earning $42,563 after 10 years. However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't finish.
What is the graduation rate at College of Alameda and why does it matter?
College of Alameda has a 34% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. Students who don't graduate typically face the worst financial outcomes, carrying debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs.
How much do College of Alameda graduates earn after graduation?
College of Alameda graduates earn a median of $42,563 ten years after enrollment. This represents decent earning potential for a community college, though success varies significantly by program and whether students transfer to four-year schools.
What are the best programs at College of Alameda for return on investment?
Career-focused programs like nursing, automotive technology, and skilled trades typically offer the strongest ROI at College of Alameda. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities should focus on completing their associate degree to maximize their investment.