At $6,520/yr net price, Feather River Community College District graduates earn $38,142/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,142/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,520 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,142/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,142/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,638/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,069/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,887/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,025/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,891/yr |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Feather River Community College District 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
Feather River Community College offers a low-cost pathway to a degree, but the financial returns fall short of most educational investments. With median earnings of $38,142 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $6,520 annually, you face a modest salary ceiling that may struggle to justify even this affordable education in purely financial terms.
The 47% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. More than half of students who enroll never complete their programs, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. Your $10,750 median debt load remains manageable, but only if you actually graduate and secure employment in your field.
Career-focused programs like nursing, automotive technology, and fire science typically offer the strongest ROI at community colleges in rural areas like Quincy. These programs align with regional demand and provide clear pathways to middle-class wages. Liberal arts and general education tracks show weaker financial returns given the limited white-collar job market in northeastern California.
This school works best financially if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing core requirements at a fraction of university costs. You can also succeed here if you target specific vocational programs that match regional employment needs. The 85% retention rate suggests students who stay engaged tend to persist, but you must have realistic expectations about post-graduation earning potential.
Avoid Feather River if you need substantial financial aid. Only 20% of students receive aid, suggesting limited institutional support for low-income students. Look elsewhere if you require extensive career services or alumni networks to secure employment after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feather River Community College District worth the cost?
At $6,520 per year, Feather River Community College District offers reasonable tuition, but graduates earn only $38,142 ten years later, which is below average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 47% means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Feather River Community College District?
The ROI is modest given the relatively low post-graduation earnings of $38,142 compared to the national average. However, the low net price and manageable debt load of $10,750 reduce financial risk for students who complete their programs.
How much debt do Feather River Community College District graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $10,750 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. This debt level represents about 28% of the median graduate's annual salary.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Feather River Community College District?
With median earnings of $38,142 ten years after enrollment, graduates earn less than typical college graduates nationally. The rural location in Quincy, CA may limit local job opportunities, requiring graduates to relocate for better-paying positions.