At $15,468/yr net price, Columbia College graduates earn $39,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,035/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,468 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,035/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,182/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,022/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,735/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,215/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 | $86,424 |
The Risk Factor
30.4% of students at Columbia College 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
Columbia College delivers modest financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $39,035 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $15,468 annual net price, creating a break-even timeline that stretches longer than most community colleges.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $86,424 annually. This program alone makes Columbia College worth considering if you can secure admission to the competitive nursing track. Other programs show significantly weaker earning potential, leaving most graduates with limited income growth prospects in the rural Sierra Nevada job market.
The 30% graduation rate signals a major risk. Nearly seven out of 10 students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt but no credential. This low completion rate reflects both academic challenges and the reality that many students transfer before finishing their associate degrees.
Columbia College works best if you live locally and can minimize housing costs, plan to transfer to a four-year university, or gain admission to the nursing program. The school makes less sense if you need to relocate for attendance or lack clear transfer plans. The rural Sonora location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban community colleges.
Only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either a student body with higher family incomes or limited aid availability. This low aid percentage means you should expect to cover most costs out-of-pocket or through loans. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, especially given the weak earnings potential outside of nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia College in Sonora, CA worth the cost?
Columbia College offers decent value for nursing students, who earn around $86,000 annually after graduation. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $39,035 are below national averages, and the 30% graduation rate raises concerns about completion.
What programs at Columbia College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Columbia College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $86,424 annually. Other programs typically lead to much lower earnings that may not justify the $15,468 annual cost.
How much debt do Columbia College graduates typically have?
With a net price of $15,468 per year, students who complete their programs in two years face around $30,000 in costs. The low 30% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degrees.
Should I attend Columbia College or a four-year university?
Columbia College makes sense if you're pursuing nursing and want lower upfront costs than a four-year school. For other fields, the low graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes suggest exploring alternatives.