At $4,648/yr net price, Cosumnes River College graduates earn $42,446/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,446/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,648 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,446/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,446/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,722 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,368/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,241/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,622/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,627/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,646/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
32.9% of students at Cosumnes River 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
Cosumnes River College delivers solid financial value for a community college, with low costs and reasonable earnings outcomes that make sense for specific career paths and student situations. Your total debt load stays manageable at around $10,700, while the $4,600 annual net price keeps education affordable even if you pay out of pocket.
The veterinary technician program stands out as the clear financial winner, leading to $35,000 annual earnings that justify the investment. Other programs show mixed results, with the overall median of $42,400 representing decent returns for a two-year degree. However, the 33% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your financial plans if you don't finish.
This school works best if you have a clear career goal in health sciences or plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements. The low sticker price makes it an excellent choice for students wanting to minimize debt while exploring academic options or gaining job skills quickly.
You face financial risk if you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, given the low completion rates. Students without clear goals may find themselves spending time and money without meaningful career advancement. The limited program variety also means fewer backup options if your initial major doesn't work out.
With only 25% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the relatively low costs directly. This suggests fewer merit-based opportunities but also indicates the base price remains accessible for middle-income families who might not qualify for need-based assistance elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cosumnes River College worth the cost compared to other California community colleges?
At $4,648 per year, Cosumnes River College costs less than many California community colleges and provides decent value for students who complete their programs. However, with only 33% of students graduating, many don't see the return on their investment.
What are the best paying programs at Cosumnes River College?
The veterinary and animal health technology program is the top earner, with graduates making around $35,060 annually. This is below the overall school average of $42,446, so other programs likely offer better financial returns.
How much debt do Cosumnes River College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $10,722, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With graduates earning $42,446 after 10 years, most can handle this debt load if they complete their programs.
Does Cosumnes River College have good job placement and earnings potential?
Graduates earn $42,446 ten years after starting, which is reasonable for a community college. The low graduation rate of 33% means many students don't reach this earning potential, making completion the biggest factor in ROI.