At $3,661/yr net price, Folsom Lake College graduates earn $42,568/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,568/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,661 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,568/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,568/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,650/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,571/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,635/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,990/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,254/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
39.5% of students at Folsom Lake 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
Folsom Lake College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median of $42,568 ten years after enrollment against annual costs of just $3,661. This 11-to-1 ratio between eventual earnings and yearly investment makes it one of the stronger financial bets among California community colleges.
The school's location in Sacramento's eastern suburbs works in your favor. You'll find steady demand for healthcare technicians, business support roles, and skilled trades in this growing region. Most graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter local job markets where the cost of living remains manageable compared to San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 39.5% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program or transfer successfully, you'll miss the earnings boost that makes this investment worthwhile. The school works well if you have clear transfer plans to a UC or CSU, or if you're targeting specific career training programs.
Financial aid reaches fewer students here than at most community colleges, with only 16% receiving assistance. This suggests either a more affluent student body or limited aid awareness. Check directly with financial aid offices about California Promise Grant eligibility and local scholarship opportunities.
Folsom Lake College makes financial sense if you're using it as an affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree or need flexible scheduling for career training. Skip it if you lack clear academic goals or struggle with self-directed learning, since the lower completion rates indicate many students don't finish what they start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Folsom Lake College worth the cost compared to other options?
At $3,661 per year, Folsom Lake College offers one of the lowest net costs in California. However, graduates earn a median of $42,568 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Folsom Lake College and does it affect ROI?
Folsom Lake College has a 39.5% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly hurts the return on investment for many students who attend.
Which programs at Folsom Lake College offer the best financial returns?
The college's top programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to median earnings of around $26,353. These programs generally offer limited earning potential compared to technical or professional degree programs.
Should I attend Folsom Lake College if I need financial aid?
The low net price of $3,661 suggests good financial aid availability for qualifying students. However, you should consider whether the low graduation rate and modest earning outcomes align with your career goals before enrolling.