At $4,683/yr net price, Cypress College graduates earn $43,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,683 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,205/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,092/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,220/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,710/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,011/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $73,769 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $63,997 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $18,315 |
The Risk Factor
35.1% of students at Cypress 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
Cypress College offers solid financial value for students who choose the right programs, though your success depends heavily on your major selection. At $4,683 annually, the low net price makes this community college accessible, but the 35% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $73,769 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs also deliver strong returns at $63,997. Vehicle maintenance and repair technology provides middle-class earnings at $50,856, reflecting California's automotive service demands. However, funeral service and dental support programs cap out around $37,568, barely exceeding the overall median of $43,533.
Your biggest financial risk is not finishing. With only one in three students completing their programs, dropping out means you lose time and money while gaining little. The $10,000 median debt load stays manageable if you graduate, but becomes problematic if you leave without credentials.
This school works best if you have clear career goals in nursing or allied health and can commit to completion. The low price point makes it reasonable for exploring career options or gaining affordable prerequisites. However, if you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, the low graduation rate suggests you might benefit from a more structured environment elsewhere.
Only 32% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay the already-low sticker price. Focus on program completion rather than hunting for additional scholarships. Your return on investment hinges more on finishing your chosen program than on minimizing costs further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cypress College worth the cost?
Cypress College offers solid value at $4,683 per year, especially for nursing and allied health programs that lead to $60,000+ salaries. The low cost and $10,000 median debt make it a reasonable investment, though the 35% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at Cypress College?
Nursing programs at Cypress College produce the highest earnings at $73,769 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $63,997. Vehicle maintenance and repair programs also pay well at $50,856, making these the best ROI options.
How much debt do Cypress College graduates have?
Cypress College graduates carry a median debt of $10,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With annual earnings of $43,533 ten years after enrollment, most graduates can handle this debt load.
What is the graduation rate at Cypress College and does it affect value?
Only 35% of Cypress College students graduate, which is typical for community colleges but still concerning. Students who do complete programs, especially in nursing or allied health, see strong returns on their investment.