Feather River Community College District: $1,465 Tuition

$1,465Tuition

1,574Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,142Earnings

Public4-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Feather River Community College District

Feather River serves 1,574 students in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, where outdoor recreation meets academic opportunity. The college has built its reputation around natural resource management, forestry, and outdoor leadership programs that take advantage of the surrounding wilderness. Students choose from traditional transfer pathways and career-focused programs in a setting where hiking trails often serve as outdoor classrooms.

In-state students pay just $1,465 in tuition, and the average net price drops to $6,520 after aid. Low-income families pay even less, with costs falling to $5,638 for those earning under $30,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,142 ten years after enrollment, while carrying modest debt loads averaging $10,750. The math works for students seeking affordable education without crushing financial burdens.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 38% Hispanic students and representation from across ethnic groups. Just 78% of students come from California, drawing others who want mountain living with their education. The college fields 11 varsity sports with 186 student-athletes competing independently. With only 219 on-campus housing spots, most students live off-campus in the small mountain community of Quincy.

Academics & Faculty

Feather River Community College serves as a stepping stone for students in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring in a small college environment. However, the 43% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies. The college offers traditional transfer programs alongside career-focused degrees in fields like fire technology and natural resources management. These programs align with the region's forestry and emergency services industries. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities in the surrounding wilderness areas. The college's rural location means fewer distractions but also limited research facilities compared to larger institutions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.9%
Retention Rate: 85.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,142

Campus Life

Feather River sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains, three hours from Sacramento and even farther from any major metropolitan area. Only 219 students can live on campus, meaning most of the 1,574 enrolled students commute from the surrounding rural communities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and snow is common from December through March, so students definitely need warm coats and snow boots.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students by name. With 186 total athletes across 11 varsity sports, athletic events become major social gatherings for the small student body. The 53% female, 47% male split creates a balanced campus active. Students often spend weekends hiking in the nearby Plumas National Forest or driving to Reno for entertainment options. The rural setting means limited nightlife and dining options in Quincy itself. Many students work part-time jobs in town, contributing to the 85.7% employment rate. The mountain location offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation but requires students to be comfortable with isolation from urban amenities.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 219 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–43°F
July Avg: 47°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 28.4"

Student Demographics

Students at Feather River come primarily from California, with nearly four out of five choosing to stay close to home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The student body reflects the surrounding region's diversity, with strong Hispanic representation alongside white students. The college draws students seeking affordable education, as one in five receives Pell Grants for low-income families. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and transfer programs. This rural campus serves as an educational anchor for Northern California's mountain communities, providing accessible higher education where options are limited.

Men: 46.8%
Women: 53.2%
White: 32.7%
Black: 9.8%
Hispanic: 38.1%
Asian: 3.3%
In-State Students: 78.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.3%

Location

Quincy sits in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, roughly 150 miles northeast of Sacramento. This remote mountain town of about 1,700 residents serves as the Plumas County seat. The campus occupies 200 acres surrounded by national forests and alpine lakes. Students experience true small-town living where outdoor recreation dominates daily life. Winter brings heavy snowfall and skiing opportunities, while summer offers hiking and fishing. The nearest four-year university sits over 100 miles away in Chico. Only 78.24% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's appeal to those seeking mountain living. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Feather River Community College District with similar schools in the region.

Address: Quincy, California 95971-9124

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,142
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,056
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $114/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Feather River Community College District?

As a community college, Feather River maintains open enrollment for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,574 students in California's scenic Sierra Nevada mountains. With a retention rate of 85.71%, most students who start here continue their education.

How much does Feather River Community College District cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,520 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $1,465. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,638 net price on average. The college keeps costs affordable as a gateway to higher education in rural Northern California.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Feather River Community College District?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes. Students benefit from close relationships with professors in this intimate mountain setting. The small size allows for hands-on learning and individualized support.

What are the graduation outcomes at Feather River Community College District?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 46.90%, with graduates earning a median of $38,142 ten years after enrollment. Many students transfer to four-year universities rather than complete degrees here. The college serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable education before transferring.

Where is Feather River Community College District located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Quincy, California, a small mountain town in the Sierra Nevada range. With housing capacity for 219 students and room and board at $12,421, residential options are limited but affordable. The rural-remote setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities and a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Does Feather River Community College District offer athletic programs?

The college fields 11 varsity sports with 186 total athletes competing as an independent institution. Athletic scholarships total $13,000 across all programs. The mountain location provides unique opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation programs that complement traditional athletics.