At $1,699/yr net price, Fresno City College graduates earn $37,361/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,361/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,699 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $6,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,361/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,361/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,058 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $987/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $667/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,594/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,249/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,076/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $79,180 | $3,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $71,351 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
The Risk Factor
28.3% of students at Fresno City 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
Fresno City College delivers strong financial value with a rock-bottom net price of $1,699 annually and minimal debt loads. The nursing program stands out as a clear winner, generating median earnings of $79,180 while keeping debt to just $3,500. Allied health programs also perform well at over $71,000 in median earnings, making these technical fields your best bet for strong returns.
The college's broader career programs tell a different story. Business administration and criminal justice graduates earn in the mid-20s, which may not justify even this low-cost education depending on your career goals. The 28% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely.
Financial aid reaches only 28% of students, suggesting most pay the already-low sticker price. This makes Fresno City College particularly attractive if you can complete a high-earning technical program without needing extensive financial support.
You should consider Fresno City College if you want nursing or allied health training at minimal cost and debt. The local healthcare job market supports these career paths well. Skip this school if you're pursuing general business or criminal justice unless you have specific local connections or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. The low completion rate means you need strong self-direction and clear program focus to succeed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno City College worth the cost?
Fresno City College offers strong value with a net cost of just $1,699 per year and low debt of around $4,000. The nursing programs provide excellent ROI with graduates earning nearly $80,000 annually, though other programs may lead to lower-paying careers.
What are the best paying programs at Fresno City College?
Registered nursing is the clear winner at Fresno City College, with graduates earning about $79,000 yearly. Allied health programs also pay well at $71,000, while business and criminal justice graduates typically earn around $26,000.
How much debt will I have after Fresno City College?
Most Fresno City College students graduate with minimal debt around $4,000. The low annual cost of $1,699 makes this one of the more affordable college options in California.
What is the graduation rate at Fresno City College?
Fresno City College has a 28% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students in nursing and health programs tend to have higher completion rates than those in general studies.