At $7,549/yr net price, Foothill College graduates earn $57,072/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,072/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,549 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,072/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,072/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,428/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,045/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,391/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,191/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $113,107 | $10,500 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at Foothill College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Foothill College delivers solid financial returns for a California community college, with graduates earning a median of $57,072 ten years after enrollment while carrying minimal debt of just $10,500. Your net investment of $7,549 annually makes this one of the better value propositions in California higher education.
Allied Health programs stand out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $113,107 annually. This nearly doubles the overall median and puts you in six-figure territory with the same low debt load. The healthcare sector in Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area creates strong demand for these skills, making this program particularly valuable at this location.
The 60% graduation rate presents the main financial risk. If you fall into the 40% who don't complete, you lose your investment without gaining the credential that drives earnings. The low 8.43% financial aid rate means most students pay the full net price, so budget carefully if money is tight.
This school works best for career changers, working adults, and students seeking affordable entry into healthcare fields. The location in Los Altos Hills puts you near major healthcare systems and tech companies that value technical skills. If you want a traditional four-year college experience or need significant financial aid, look elsewhere.
Transfer students should verify that credits move cleanly to your target university. The combination of low cost, minimal debt, and strong regional job connections makes Foothill a smart financial choice for focused career preparation, especially in allied health fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foothill College worth the cost compared to other community colleges?
Foothill College offers reasonable value with a net price of $7,549 per year and graduates earning $57,072 annually after 10 years. The low median debt of $10,500 makes it financially safer than most four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Foothill College?
Allied Health programs at Foothill College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $113,107 annually. These programs offer strong job prospects and justify the investment better than general education tracks.
What is the graduation rate at Foothill College and does it affect ROI?
Foothill College has a 60% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. Students who don't complete their programs miss out on the earnings boost that makes the investment worthwhile.
How much debt do Foothill College students typically graduate with?
Foothill College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable given the average starting salaries. This low debt load reduces financial risk compared to universities where students often borrow $30,000 or more.