At $5,001/yr net price, Long Beach City College graduates earn $38,870/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,870/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,001 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,870/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,870/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,237/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,724/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,680/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,725/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,128/yr |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Long Beach City 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
Long Beach City College delivers strong financial value for a community college, with graduates earning a median $38,870 annually while accumulating just $10,500 in debt. Your total education cost averages $5,001 per year, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that most graduates can handle comfortably.
The school's location in Long Beach provides access to diverse employment opportunities across Los Angeles County's logistics, healthcare, and business sectors. Your proximity to major ports, aerospace companies, and healthcare systems creates solid job prospects for technical and healthcare program graduates. Nursing, automotive technology, and business administration programs typically offer the strongest earnings potential given regional demand.
The 27% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face a significant chance of leaving without completing your program, which means paying costs without receiving credentials. This low completion rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school commitments.
Long Beach City College works best financially if you have clear career goals and can commit to finishing your program. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities benefit from low-cost general education credits. Those seeking immediate workforce entry should focus on the school's technical programs with strong local job placement rates.
With only 37% of students receiving financial aid, many pay out of pocket. California residents qualify for Board of Governors Fee Waivers that can eliminate enrollment fees entirely for qualifying low-income students. You should explore this option early since it dramatically reduces your total costs.
Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support services or prefer smaller class sizes. The financial value depends entirely on your ability to complete your chosen program and enter the workforce promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach City College worth the cost?
Long Beach City College offers solid value with a low net price of $5,001 per year and modest debt levels around $10,500. However, the 27% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What do Long Beach City College graduates earn after graduation?
Long Beach City College graduates earn a median of $38,870 annually ten years after enrollment. This earning level is typical for community college graduates but may not justify the investment if you don't complete your program.
How much debt do Long Beach City College students graduate with?
Students who borrow at Long Beach City College graduate with a median debt of $10,500. This relatively low debt load makes the financial risk manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What programs at Long Beach City College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs, skilled trades, and business certificates typically offer the strongest job placement rates at Long Beach City College. These career-focused programs align better with local employer needs than general education tracks.