At $4,175/yr net price, Las Positas College graduates earn $51,088/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,088/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,175 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,088/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,088/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,914/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,942/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,945/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,001/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,071/yr |
The Risk Factor
48.5% of students at Las Positas 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
Las Positas College gives you a low-cost path with a solid payoff. At $4,175 a year in net price, the total cost to finish a two-year credential stays under what many students spend on a single year at a four-year school, and median earnings of $51,088 ten years out clear that investment quickly.
The Livermore location works in your favor. You sit next to Lawrence Livermore and Sandia national labs plus the Tri-Valley tech and biotech corridor, which supports demand for the technical and health-adjacent transfer tracks that feed nearby four-year programs and employers. The 48.5% graduation rate is the number to watch: nearly half of students who start don't finish on time, and an unfinished credential is where the math turns against you. Your return depends heavily on actually completing.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat this as a transfer-and-certificate school. Use it to knock out general education cheaply, then move to a CSU or UC. Going in undecided, drifting, and paying semester after semester without a transfer plan is the main financial risk. The cost is low per year, but time lost still costs you.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families the most. Under $30k, you pay $2,914. between $48k and $75k, you pay $5,945. above $110k, you pay $11,071. If your family earns over $75k, expect to cover most of the bill yourself, and the jump from the $48-75k tier to the $75-110k tier is steep. Still workable, but plan for it.
This is a strong fit if you're local, cost-conscious, and using it as a transfer step or job-specific certificate. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree granted on-site or want a residential four-year experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Positas College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Las Positas College offers strong value with a net price of $4,175 per year and graduates earning $51,088 annually after 10 years. The low cost makes it a financially smart choice for students seeking affordable education in the Bay Area.
What is the return on investment for Las Positas College graduates?
Graduates see solid returns given the low annual cost of $4,175 versus median earnings of $51,088 ten years later. However, the 48.5% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their programs.
Does Las Positas College have good job placement after graduation?
The school's location in Livermore provides access to Bay Area job markets, and graduate earnings of $51,088 reflect decent career outcomes. Success depends heavily on completing your program and choosing marketable fields of study.
Should I worry about student debt at Las Positas College?
Student debt risk is minimal due to the low $4,175 annual cost. Most students can graduate with little to no debt, especially with financial aid and the option to work while attending this community college.