At $29/yr net price, College of the Sequoias graduates earn $39,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,785/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,987/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,223/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 | $79,284 | $6,750 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,429 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $14,935 |
The Risk Factor
32.8% of students at College of the Sequoias 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 Sequoias delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $29 per year and manageable debt loads. Your biggest risk here is completing your program, with only 33% of students finishing within three years.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates who earn $79,284 annually with median debt of $6,750. Allied health programs also perform well at $55,512 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with Central Valley's growing medical sector and aging population.
Liberal arts and human development programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning around $15,000 annually. If you're targeting these fields, plan to transfer to a four-year school rather than entering the job market directly.
This school works best if you're seeking affordable healthcare training or using it as a transfer pathway to reduce four-year college costs. The combination of near-free tuition and strong nursing outcomes makes it particularly attractive for career changers or those prioritizing minimal debt.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services to stay on track, given the low completion rates. The school also lacks merit scholarships, though the rock-bottom pricing makes this less relevant. Focus on finishing your program quickly to maximize your return on this bargain-priced education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Sequoias worth the cost?
College of the Sequoias offers exceptional value with a net price of just $29 per year and median debt of only $4,500. However, the 33% graduation rate and $39,092 median earnings suggest many students struggle to complete programs or find well-paying jobs.
What are the best paying programs at College of the Sequoias?
Nursing programs at College of the Sequoias lead to median earnings of $79,284, making them the clear ROI winners. Allied health programs also perform well at $55,512, while liberal arts and human development programs result in much lower earnings around $15,000.
How much debt do College of the Sequoias graduates have?
College of the Sequoias graduates typically leave with just $4,500 in debt, well below national averages. The extremely low net price of $29 per year means most costs are covered by financial aid.
What is the graduation rate at College of the Sequoias?
Only 33% of students graduate from College of the Sequoias, indicating that two-thirds of students either transfer or drop out without completing their program. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor for prospective students.