At $5,692/yr net price, Los Medanos College graduates earn $42,454/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,454/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,692 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,454/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,454/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,363/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,876/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,915/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,485/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,081/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 | $32,382 |
The Risk Factor
38.9% of students at Los Medanos 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
Los Medanos College delivers weak financial returns, with graduates earning just $42,454 ten years after enrollment despite a relatively high net cost of $5,692 annually for a community college. The 39% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their programs.
The earnings data reveals a concerning limitation: Liberal Arts and Sciences, the top-earning program, produces graduates making only $32,382 annually. This suggests the college lacks strong career-focused programs that translate to higher-paying jobs in the Bay Area economy, where living costs far exceed what these earnings support.
You face specific risks attending Los Medanos. The low graduation rate indicates academic or support challenges that prevent degree completion. The disconnect between regional job market opportunities in nearby San Francisco and Oakland and graduate earnings suggests poor alignment between programs and local employer needs.
This school works financially only if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing general education requirements at a lower cost. The $5,692 annual price point makes sense for students using Los Medanos as an affordable stepping stone, not a final destination.
With only 25% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price. This unusual aid pattern suggests limited institutional support for low-income students who might benefit most from community college affordability.
Skip Los Medanos if you need career training that leads directly to employment. The earnings outcomes show this institution fails to prepare graduates for Bay Area wages. Consider other regional community colleges with stronger vocational programs or plan your transfer strategy carefully to maximize your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Medanos College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $5,692 per year, Los Medanos College offers low tuition but graduates earn just $42,454 annually after 10 years. This puts it below average for community colleges in California, where many programs lead to higher-paying careers.
What is the graduation rate at Los Medanos College and does it affect ROI?
Los Medanos College has a 38.9% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. Low completion rates reduce the school's value since students who don't graduate miss out on the earnings boost that comes with a degree.
Which Los Medanos College programs have the best return on investment?
The school's top programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which lead to median earnings of $32,382. These general education tracks typically prepare students for transfer to four-year universities rather than direct career entry.
Should I worry about student debt at Los Medanos College?
Student debt risk is relatively low due to the school's affordable tuition of under $6,000 per year. However, the bigger financial risk is not completing your program, which happens to over 60% of students.