At $3,214/yr net price, College of the Redwoods graduates earn $36,243/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,243/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,214 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,243/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,243/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,080 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,129/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,237/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,106/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,044/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 | $71,575 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $31,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,456 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,786 |
The Risk Factor
25.0% of students at College of the Redwoods 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 the Redwoods offers weak financial returns for most programs, with median earnings barely reaching $36,243 ten years after enrollment. The low graduation rate of 25% means three-quarters of students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt without credentials to show for it.
The nursing program stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $71,575 annually. This represents strong ROI given the school's $3,214 annual net price and typical debt load of $8,080. Dental support services also provides reasonable returns at $31,848, though still below regional averages for healthcare support roles.
Most other programs deliver poor financial outcomes. Liberal arts graduates earn just $23,456, while human development majors face particularly challenging prospects at $16,786 annually. These earnings barely exceed what you could earn without any college credential in many California markets.
The school works financially if you can complete the nursing program or need an affordable stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The low net price reduces financial risk, but the dismal graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish what they start. Rural location limits job opportunities beyond healthcare and basic services.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, diverse program options, or access to higher-paying industries. The school lacks merit scholarships and relies primarily on federal aid, with only 33% of students receiving assistance. Community college transfers to four-year institutions often provide better long-term earning potential than staying for an associate degree here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Redwoods worth the money?
College of the Redwoods offers very low tuition at $3,214 per year, but graduates earn only $36,243 ten years later. The nursing program pays well at $71,575, but most other programs lead to below-average earnings.
What is the graduation rate at College of the Redwoods?
College of the Redwoods has a 25% graduation rate, meaning three out of four students don't finish their degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of student debt without a credential to show for it.
How much debt do College of the Redwoods graduates have?
College of the Redwoods graduates typically leave with $8,080 in debt, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their program.
Which programs at College of the Redwoods have good job prospects?
The registered nursing program at College of the Redwoods leads to strong earnings of $71,575 annually. Business and dental support programs offer modest returns, while liberal arts and human development graduates earn significantly less than the national average.