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 gives you a low-cost entry point, but the payoff is modest. You pay around $5,001 a year and carry a median debt of $10,500 by graduation, which is small compared to most four-year schools. The problem sits on the other side of the ledger: median earnings ten years out land at $38,870, close to what a high school graduate makes in this part of California. The financial return is real but thin, and it depends heavily on what you study and whether you finish.
That last point is the biggest risk here. A 27% graduation rate means most people who start do not finish on time, and unfinished credits still cost you tuition, time, and any loans you took out. If you enroll, treat completion as the whole game. A certificate or degree in a career field with local demand, healthcare, logistics tied to the Long Beach port, or a transfer path to a Cal State, is where the low cost turns into a return. Drifting through general courses without a plan is where it turns into debt with nothing to show.
The net price tiers stay flat across incomes, running from about $4,237 if your family earns under $30k to roughly $7,725 in the $75-110k range. There is no steep jump for middle-income families, so the sticker price is predictable no matter what you earn. That predictability makes this a sensible choice if you are paying your own way and want to keep debt near that $10,500 median or below.
This school fits you if you want an affordable start and have a clear transfer or job target. Look elsewhere if you need a structure that pushes you to finish, since the completion odds here put that on you.
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.