At $11,103/yr net price, Compton College graduates earn $34,181/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $181/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,103 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,181/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$181/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 245.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,072/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,652/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,087/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,334/yr |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Compton 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
Compton College's numbers are hard. Median earnings ten years after enrolling sit at $34,181, and the graduation rate is 31.6%. That means roughly two of every three students leave without finishing, and the ones who do complete land in jobs paying just above the wage floor for the Los Angeles area. The financial return here is weak on paper, and you should walk in knowing that.
No program-level salary data is listed, so treat any specific career payoff as unproven. What the data does show is a school where the credential itself carries modest earning power a decade out. If your plan is to stop at an associate degree and enter the local job market, the payback is thin against the $11,103 yearly net price.
The net price tiers reveal one clear risk. Families earning under $75k all pay close to $11,000 a year. But the $75-110k tier jumps to $15,334 -- the highest cost on the list. If your family sits in that income band, you pay more than lower-income families for the same outcomes, which makes the math worse for you specifically.
This school works best if you use it as a transfer step. The value comes from moving on to a four-year school and finishing a bachelor's elsewhere, not from the terminal earnings shown here. Two years at roughly $11,000 to complete transferable coursework is a defensible bet if you actually transfer.
If you plan to stop at the associate level, or if you fall in the higher-cost income tier, look hard at the completion odds before enrolling. With a graduation rate near 31%, the biggest financial danger is paying for time you don't finish and leaving with debt but no credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Compton College worth the money?
Compton College offers a low net price at $11,103 per year, but graduates earn only $34,181 annually after 10 years. The 31.6% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for many.
What is the ROI for Compton College graduates?
The return on investment is limited, with graduates earning $34,181 ten years after enrollment. This puts Compton College below average for post-secondary earnings, though the low cost helps offset some financial risk.
Which Compton College programs have the best job prospects?
Career-focused programs in healthcare, skilled trades, and business typically offer better employment outcomes than general education tracks. Students should research specific program completion rates and local job demand before enrolling.
How much debt do Compton College students typically have?
As a community college with a net price of $11,103 annually, most students graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year institutions. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate costs without completing their degree.