At $6,142/yr net price, Diablo Valley College graduates earn $51,378/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,378/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,142 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,378/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,378/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,021 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,708/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,636/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,867/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,491/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,417/yr |
The Risk Factor
45.6% of students at Diablo Valley College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Diablo Valley College gives you a low-cost entry point with a real payoff. At $6,142 a year in net price and median debt just over $10,000, you carry less debt than you'd take on in a single year at many four-year schools. Median earnings of $51,378 ten years out sit well above what you'd pay to get here, so the math works in your favor if you finish.
Finishing is the catch. The 45.6% graduation rate means you have close to even odds of walking away without the credential you paid for. Debt without a degree is the main financial risk here, and it's a real one at this school. The upside is that your debt load stays small enough that even a stall doesn't bury you.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for Diablo Valley, so treat this as a transfer and workforce launch point. Your return depends heavily on what you do next: transfer to a four-year school in the Bay Area, or move into a local trade or technical field. The Pleasant Hill location puts you inside one of the higher-wage regional job markets in the country, which helps that $51,378 median.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes. Under $30k, you pay $4,708. over $110k, you pay $12,417 , nearly triple. If your family earns under $48k, this is one of the cheaper ways to start a degree anywhere. Above $75k, the price climbs, but it still undercuts almost any four-year alternative.
This school fits you if you want low-risk credits, a transfer path, or a fast route into Bay Area work. Look elsewhere if you need a four-year degree in hand and a structure that keeps you enrolled, since finishing here is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diablo Valley College worth the money?
At $6,142 per year with graduates earning $51,378 after 10 years, Diablo Valley College offers solid value for a community college. The low cost and manageable debt levels make it a reasonable choice for students seeking affordable education or transfer preparation.
What is the return on investment for Diablo Valley College?
Diablo Valley College graduates see earnings of about $51,000 ten years after enrollment with median debt of just $10,021. The payback period is relatively quick given the low total cost, though the graduation rate of 46% means many students don't complete their programs.
How much debt do Diablo Valley College students graduate with?
Students who borrow at Diablo Valley College graduate with a median debt of $10,021. This is manageable compared to four-year schools, and the low annual cost of $6,142 helps keep total borrowing down.
Do Diablo Valley College graduates get good jobs?
Diablo Valley College graduates earn around $51,000 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, so success depends heavily on completing your program and choosing marketable fields of study.