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 costs about $3,661 a year net, which keeps your total out-of-pocket low for a two-year public school in the Sacramento suburbs. The financial picture is mixed: cheap to attend, but the earnings data raises real questions about what you get for that money.
The one program with reported earnings is Liberal Arts and Sciences at the associate level, and it pays roughly $26,353 a year. That is a weak standalone return. A general liberal arts associate degree is built as a transfer step toward a four-year school, not as a terminal credential that lands you a solid job. If you stop at that degree, expect low pay. If you use it to transfer into the CSU or UC system nearby, the calculation changes entirely, but that outcome depends on you finishing somewhere else.
The bigger risk here is completion. Fewer than 40% of students graduate. If you enroll, pay, and leave without a credential, you carry the cost with none of the transfer benefit. That is the main way this school stops paying off.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $2,600 a year. But the $48-75k tier jumps to $6,635 and the $75-110k tier hits $8,990, more than families earning over $110k pay. If you sit in that middle band, budget for the higher number and confirm your aid package before committing.
This school fits you if you have a clear transfer plan into a Sacramento-area four-year program and the discipline to finish. If you want a terminal degree that leads straight to a well-paying job, the liberal arts track here will not deliver that, and you should look at a career or technical program instead.
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.