At $2,244/yr net price, Gavilan College graduates earn $47,169/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,169/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,244 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $8,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,169/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,169/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $923/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,040/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,999/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,515/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,251/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
43.9% of students at Gavilan College 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
Gavilan College offers a low-cost education at $2,244 annually, but the financial returns are disappointing. With median earnings of $47,169 ten years after enrollment, graduates earn roughly what many high school diploma holders make in California's Bay Area job market.
The earnings data reveals concerning limitations in program quality. Criminal Justice graduates earn just $33,993, while Liberal Arts majors make $32,925 - both figures fall well below living wages in the expensive Gilroy-San Jose region. These numbers suggest the college struggles to connect students with higher-paying career tracks despite its proximity to Silicon Valley opportunities.
The 43.9% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Only 24.1% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay out of pocket for potentially underwhelming returns.
You should consider Gavilan if you need extremely affordable coursework for basic requirements before transferring to a four-year school. The low cost makes it a reasonable option for exploring academic interests without major financial risk. However, if you plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, the weak earnings outcomes make this a poor investment. Local high-paying industries like technology and healthcare appear disconnected from the college's program offerings.
Students seeking career-focused training with better earning potential should explore other Bay Area community colleges with stronger industry partnerships and higher graduate wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gavilan College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $2,244 per year, Gavilan College offers one of the lowest net costs in California. However, graduates earn $47,169 ten years later, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Gavilan College?
Criminal Justice graduates from Gavilan College earn around $33,993 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn $32,925. Both figures are relatively low compared to national averages for these fields.
How likely am I to graduate from Gavilan College?
Gavilan College has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students do not complete their programs. This low completion rate affects the overall return on investment for many students.
Will I have student debt problems after attending Gavilan College?
The low annual cost of $2,244 means most students can avoid heavy debt loads. However, the relatively low earning potential after graduation means even small amounts of debt could take longer to pay off than at higher-earning schools.