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 costs you very little and leaves you with very little debt, but the earnings payoff is modest. At $4,683 a year in net price and a $10,000 median debt load, you finish owing about a quarter of what one year of median earnings brings in. That low cost is the strongest part of the financial picture here.
The weak spot is what comes after. Median earnings of $43,533 ten years out sit near the low end for California, where housing and living costs are high. This is a public four-year school, but the salary outcome reads more like a two-year college result, which fits its role as a transfer and career-technical institution. If you plan to stop at a Cypress credential and enter the local Orange County job market, expect earnings that cover basics but not much cushion.
The 35% graduation rate is the biggest financial risk. If you borrow and drop out, you carry debt with no credential to raise your pay. Low debt only stays low if you actually finish.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $3,000 to $4,200 a year. But the $48-75k tier jumps to $7,220, and the $75-110k tier hits $11,710, higher than the over-$110k tier. Middle-income families pay the most here relative to income, so run your own numbers before assuming this is cheap for you.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost start, plan to transfer to a four-year university, or need an affordable career credential and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you need strong standalone bachelor's earnings, since the data here does not support that.
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.