At $7,677/yr net price, Lassen Community College graduates earn $35,994/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,994/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,677 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,994/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,994/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,165/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,938/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,036/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,268/yr |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at Lassen Community 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
Lassen Community College delivers weak financial returns that reflect both its rural location and limited program offerings. With median earnings of just $35,994 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 30%, your investment faces significant risks.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial hazard. When fewer than three out of ten students complete their programs, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This pattern suggests either inadequate student support or mismatched academic preparation among incoming students.
Your program choice matters enormously at Lassen. Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest local job prospects in rural California, where medical facilities struggle to find qualified staff. Automotive and welding programs may also connect to regional employment, given the area's logging and agriculture base. Liberal arts transfers carry higher risk since you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere to see meaningful earnings gains.
The financial aid picture offers some relief. With only 13% of students receiving aid, you might find less competition for available grants and scholarships if you qualify. The relatively low net price of $7,677 also reduces your total financial exposure compared to four-year institutions.
Lassen makes financial sense primarily for local students pursuing specific career programs with clear regional job pathways. If you plan to transfer, consider whether you can realistically complete your studies here given the low completion rates. Students with strong academic records and clear career goals should explore community colleges with better graduation rates and more strong transfer support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lassen Community College worth the cost?
Lassen Community College offers low costs at $7,677 per year, but graduates earn only $35,994 annually ten years later. The 28.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for Lassen Community College?
The ROI is weak compared to other community colleges. Low earnings combined with a poor completion rate make it a risky investment for most students.
Do Lassen Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduate earnings of $35,994 are below average for community college graduates in California. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs that lead to decent-paying careers.
Should I attend Lassen Community College or go somewhere else?
Consider other California community colleges with higher graduation rates and better graduate earnings. Lassen's rural location limits job opportunities, which hurts post-graduation prospects.