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 runs cheap and low-risk on the front end. You pay a net price that stays under most community college averages, and you leave with median debt of about $8,000. The problem is what comes after. Ten years out, median earnings land at $36,243, which is barely above what a full-time minimum-wage job pays in California. The low debt is the only thing keeping this from being a clear loss.
Nursing is the reason to enroll here. The associate nursing program reports earnings around $71,575, roughly double the school's median and more than twice what any other program brings in. If you can get into and finish that program, the math works cleanly: small debt, strong regional demand for nurses in and around Eureka, and a paycheck that justifies the cost.
Almost everything else pays poorly. General business graduates report about $32,569, dental support around $31,848, and liberal arts $23,456. Human Development lands at $16,786, which does not cover a living wage anywhere. These are associate-level figures, so many of you will use them as transfer steps toward a four-year degree, and that's the realistic play for those majors.
The biggest risk here is the 25% graduation rate. Three out of four students don't finish, and if you drop out you get the debt without the credential. Low cost doesn't help if you never cross the finish line.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or planning to transfer, and if you come from a lower-income household. Under $30k in family income, you pay about $2,129 a year. at $75-110k that jumps to over $9,000. If you want a terminal associate degree in business, dental, or human services and expect it to fund a career on its own, look harder before committing.
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.