At $7,241/yr net price, College of the Siskiyous graduates earn $39,098/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,098/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,241 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,098/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,098/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,156/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,436/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,429/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,611/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,448/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 | $68,858 | $10,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $65,332 |
The Risk Factor
30.0% of students at College of the Siskiyous 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 Siskiyous delivers strong returns for specific career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general education paths. The nursing programs stand out with graduates earning $68,858 in registered nursing and $65,332 in practical nursing, making them clear winners at this rural California community college.
Your financial success here depends entirely on program choice. Nursing graduates earn nearly double the school's overall median of $39,098, justifying the $10,500 median debt load. These healthcare programs connect directly to regional job demand in Northern California's underserved rural areas, where medical professionals command premium wages.
The major red flag is the 30% graduation rate, meaning seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs. This creates significant financial risk if you struggle with the rural campus environment or lack strong academic preparation. Students who don't finish still carry debt without the credentials to boost earnings.
You'll find this school financially worthwhile if you're committed to nursing or other technical programs with clear career pathways. The low net price of $7,241 makes it accessible, and only 28% of students receive aid, suggesting many can afford costs without borrowing heavily.
Avoid College of the Siskiyous if you're exploring general education or planning to transfer to four-year schools. The low completion rates and modest overall earnings suggest many students would benefit from stronger academic support systems available at other institutions. The remote Weed location limits internship and job opportunities outside healthcare and trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Siskiyous worth the cost?
College of the Siskiyous offers a low net price at $7,241 per year, but graduates earn only $39,098 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide much better returns with earnings around $65,000-$69,000, making the investment worthwhile mainly for healthcare students.
What is the graduation rate at College of the Siskiyous?
College of the Siskiyous has a 30% graduation rate, which is concerning for completion odds. This means 7 out of 10 students don't finish their program, creating significant risk for time and money invested.
How much debt do College of the Siskiyous graduates have?
College of the Siskiyous graduates carry a median debt of $10,750, which is relatively manageable. However, with average earnings of $39,098, the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic outside of high-paying programs like nursing.
Which programs at College of the Siskiyous have the best ROI?
The nursing programs at College of the Siskiyous deliver strong returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $68,858 and practical nursing graduates earning $65,332. Other programs show much weaker earning potential given the overall graduate average of $39,098.