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 presents a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on which program you pick. The median earnings ten years out sit below what many bachelor's-track students expect, so this school pays off only if you target the right credential and finish it.
Nursing is the clear winner here. Its associate graduates earn nearly $86,000, more than double the campus-wide median. If you can get into and complete the nursing program, the return justifies the cost several times over. Outside nursing, the school lists no other high-earning program, so a general associate degree or transfer-oriented track leaves you closer to that $39,000 median, which barely clears what a high school graduate might make.
The biggest risk here is the graduation rate: fewer than a third of students finish. If you borrow or pay net price for two or three years and leave without a credential, you carry the cost without the nursing salary that makes it worthwhile. Completion is the whole game at this school.
The net price tiers work backwards from what you'd hope. Families earning under $30,000 pay the least, around $14,000, while families in the $75,000-$110,000 band pay roughly $5,000 more per year. If your family sits in that upper-middle range, you get the smallest discount and should weigh a nearby community college or direct four-year path carefully.
This school is a good fit if you're committed to nursing and can handle its admission and completion demands in the Sonora region. If you're unsure of your major or leaning toward a general transfer degree, the earnings data doesn't support paying this net price, and you should look at lower-cost or higher-completion alternatives.
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.