At $2,895/yr net price, Hartnell College graduates earn $44,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,895 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,360/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,477/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,267/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,346/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,059/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 | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
30.0% of students at Hartnell 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
Hartnell College offers one of California's most affordable community college educations at $2,895 per year, but the financial returns are deeply concerning. Your median earnings ten years after enrollment hit just $44,316, well below California's average for community college graduates.
The earnings data reveals a troubling reality: Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn only $24,035 annually, creating negative ROI even at this low cost. You're paying for credentials that lead to poverty-level wages in one of America's most expensive states. With Salinas area living costs, these earnings leave you financially struggling despite completing your education.
The 30% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. You face high odds of accumulating debt and time costs without completing your program. Only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited support for completion and success.
This school makes financial sense if you're using it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university with stronger earning potential. The low cost minimizes your downside risk while you complete general education requirements. You might also consider it for specific vocational programs not reflected in the available data, as these could offer better returns than the liberal arts track.
Avoid Hartnell if you plan to enter the job market directly after completing an associate degree, especially in liberal arts. The combination of low completion rates and poor earnings outcomes creates substantial financial risk. Consider California community colleges with stronger job placement records and higher-paying program options, even if they cost more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hartnell College worth the cost compared to other California community colleges?
Hartnell College costs $2,895 per year after aid, which is reasonable for a California community college. However, graduates earn $44,316 ten years later, which is below average for college graduates in the state.
What is the graduation rate at Hartnell College and does it affect ROI?
Only 30% of students graduate from Hartnell College, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly hurts the return on investment for many who attend.
Do Hartnell College programs lead to good-paying jobs after graduation?
Hartnell College's most popular programs are in Liberal Arts and General Studies, with graduates earning around $24,035 early in their careers. These fields typically require further education at a four-year school to see higher earnings.
Should I attend Hartnell College or go straight to a four-year university?
Hartnell College works best as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university, given the low cost and California's transfer system. Stopping at Hartnell alone limits earning potential significantly.