At $6,522/yr net price, Contra Costa College graduates earn $40,850/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,850/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,522 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,850/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,850/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,586/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,455/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,174/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,545/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,878/yr |
The Risk Factor
33.0% of students at Contra Costa 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
Contra Costa College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median of $40,850 ten years after enrollment against annual costs of just $6,522. Your investment pays back in under two years if you complete your program and find steady work in the Bay Area job market.
The low graduation rate of 33% presents the biggest financial risk. If you don't finish your program, you're left with debt and no credential. This school works best if you have clear career goals and can commit to completing your coursework despite competing life demands that derail many community college students.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting connect directly to high-demand Bay Area jobs with strong wages. Business and computer technology programs also position you well for the regional economy. Liberal arts transfers to four-year schools can work financially if you complete the bachelor's degree, but stopping at the associate level limits your earning potential.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, which likely reflects the already low sticker price rather than generous aid policies. You'll pay mostly out of pocket, but the total investment remains manageable even for working adults. The location in San Pablo puts you within reach of both San Francisco and Oakland job markets, where your degree can command higher wages than in most California regions.
This school makes financial sense if you need job training quickly, want to avoid student debt, or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. Skip it if you need extensive student support services or prefer a traditional college experience, as the low completion rates suggest limited institutional support for struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contra Costa College worth the cost?
Contra Costa College offers good value with a low net price of $6,522 per year, but the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs. The $40,850 median earnings 10 years after enrollment are reasonable for a community college, making it worth considering if you complete your degree.
What is the return on investment for Contra Costa College?
With low annual costs around $6,500 and graduates earning about $40,850 after 10 years, Contra Costa College provides solid ROI for those who graduate. However, the low 33% completion rate significantly impacts overall value since non-graduates typically see minimal earnings gains.
How much debt do Contra Costa College students typically have?
As a California community college, Contra Costa College has relatively low costs at $6,522 per year net price, which helps limit student debt. Most students can complete programs with minimal borrowing, especially with California's strong financial aid programs.
What programs at Contra Costa College have the best job prospects?
Community colleges typically see better outcomes in healthcare, skilled trades, and business programs that lead directly to employment. Contra Costa College's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to diverse job markets, though specific program outcome data varies.