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 delivers weak financial returns that reflect the broader challenges facing California community colleges. Your median earnings of $42,563 ten years after enrollment barely justify the investment, especially given the concerning 34% graduation rate that leaves two-thirds of students without completing their programs.
The school's career and technical education programs in nursing and allied health offer your best shot at solid returns, aligning with strong demand in the Bay Area's healthcare sector. These programs typically lead to stable middle-class wages that can justify the relatively low $9,280 annual cost. However, liberal arts and general studies tracks show much weaker earning potential and should be approached as transfer preparation only.
Your biggest financial risk here is the high likelihood of not finishing. With only one in three students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt and lost time without credentials to show for it. The Bay Area's high cost of living amplifies this risk, as incomplete education leaves you poorly positioned for the region's expensive housing market.
College of Alameda makes financial sense if you're pursuing specific healthcare certifications, need affordable transfer preparation for a four-year degree, or require flexible scheduling for career advancement. The low financial aid participation rate of just 10% suggests limited institutional support, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket.
Skip this school if you're seeking broad career exploration or lack clear program goals. The combination of low completion rates and modest earning outcomes makes unfocused enrollment a poor financial bet, particularly in an expensive region where opportunity costs run high.
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.