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 is one of the cheapest paths to a credential you'll find, and the numbers back that up. At a net price near $2,200 a year, your total cost to attend is low enough that even a modest earnings bump pays it back fast. The median earnings of $47,169 ten years out clear the cost of attendance many times over, which is the whole point of a community college like this one.
The program data tells a narrower story. Both listed programs, Criminal Justice and Corrections and Liberal Arts, are associate-level and land in the low $30,000s. Those figures matter because an associate degree here is a stepping stone, not a destination. Liberal Arts in particular is a transfer track, so its standalone earnings undersell what you'd make after moving on to a four-year school. If you stop at the associate, expect earnings closer to $33,000 than $47,000.
The main financial risk is the 43.90% graduation rate. More than half of students don't finish, and if you take on any loans without a credential, you carry the debt with none of the earnings gain. The low price protects you here, but only if you actually complete.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k, you pay under $1,000 a year. above $110k, you pay over $7,000. Even at the top tier, the cost stays reasonable for a full degree.
Gavilan is a strong fit if you plan to transfer to a UC or Cal State, or if you want a criminal justice associate for local law enforcement work. Look elsewhere if you need a program not offered here or if you're unlikely to finish, since the payoff depends entirely on walking away with the credential.
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.