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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest financial payoff. At about $6,522 a year in net price, you keep your total spending low, and the median earnings a decade out sit around $40,850. That figure is typical for a California community college and won't clear a strong margin over a high school wage, but the small outlay means you're not risking much to find out.
The 33% graduation rate is the number to watch. Two-thirds of students don't finish here, and an unfinished credential leaves you with cost and no degree to show for it. Your return depends heavily on actually completing, or on using this school as a cheap transfer path to a four-year degree elsewhere. If you enroll, treat transfer or completion as the whole point.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no basis to say which majors here pay off in dollars. Use CCC for general education credits and career-technical programs that lead directly to work or transfer, and confirm the earnings for any specific program before you commit time to it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $5,500 a year. Between $48,000 and $110,000, your price jumps to $9,000-$11,500, nearly double the lowest tier. Middle-income families carry the heaviest relative load here.
This school fits you if you're paying cash, living at home, and using it as a transfer springboard or a route into a specific trade. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level salary directly and won't transfer, since the standalone earnings here stay near $40,000 and completion is far from guaranteed.
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.