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 costs you very little to attend, and that is the main thing it has going for it financially. At under $5,000 a year in net price, with median debt just over $10,000, you graduate owing far less than the price of a single semester at many four-year schools. The problem is what you get for it. Median earnings ten years out land at $42,446, which is a modest return in the high-cost Sacramento region.
The only program with reported earnings data here is Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies, an associate credential paying about $35,060 a year. That is below the school's overall median, so the veterinary tech track pays less than the typical Cosumnes graduate earns, not more. There is no bachelor-level program data to point you toward a stronger-paying major, so treat this school as a two-year stepping stone, not a destination for a career-ready degree.
The biggest risk is the 32.9% graduation rate. Two out of three of you will not finish, and if you take on debt and leave without a credential, the low cost stops protecting you. Your low price only becomes a good deal if you actually complete.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $3,368. above $110,000, closer to $8,646. Even the top tier stays cheap by any standard.
This school fits you if you plan to knock out lower-division credits cheaply and transfer to a four-year school, or if you have a specific transfer plan in mind. Look elsewhere if you need the associate degree itself to carry your career, since the earnings and completion numbers do not support that bet.
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.