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 runs on numbers that make it hard to lose money, but easy to walk away with little. The net price sits near zero, median debt is $4,500, and you can finish an associate degree without borrowing much of anything. The catch is the median 10-year earnings of $39,092 and a graduation rate under 33%. Two out of three people who enroll here don't finish, and that's the biggest financial risk you face.
The program spread is stark. Registered Nursing graduates earn $79,284, more than five times what Liberal Arts and General Studies graduates make at $15,429. Human Development lands even lower at $14,935. If you come here for nursing and finish, the return is excellent for the price. If you enroll in a general transfer track and stop after the associate degree, the earnings data says you'll barely clear part-time wages. These liberal arts numbers reflect people who ended their education at the two-year mark, which is the wrong way to use a transfer program.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting at $55,512 is the solid middle option if nursing isn't a fit. Both healthcare tracks line up with the Central Valley's steady demand for medical staff.
The net price tiers barely move by income. If your family earns $48-75k, you pay $1,785. earn over $110k and you pay $4,223. Nobody here faces a large bill, so cost is not what should drive your decision.
This school is a good financial fit if you enter a healthcare program and commit to finishing. Look elsewhere, or plan firmly to transfer, if you're starting a general studies track with no next step lined up.
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.