At $3,123/yr net price, Pasadena City College graduates earn $43,937/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,937/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,123 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,937/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,937/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,651 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,205/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,702/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,613/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,070/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,004/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $68,079 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $14,935 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $12,221 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at Pasadena City 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
Pasadena City College delivers strong financial returns for specific career paths while offering weak outcomes in others. Your total investment of around $6,246 over two years positions you well for certain fields but leaves you underwater in popular majors like psychology and business.
The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $68,079 annually against minimal debt. This creates an strong return that justifies the time investment. However, the 41% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to handle successfully.
Psychology and business administration majors face poor financial prospects. Psychology graduates earn just $14,935 annually while business majors make $12,221, both figures that barely exceed minimum wage work. These programs essentially guarantee negative returns on your educational investment.
Location matters significantly for your earning potential. Pasadena sits in LA County where living costs remain high, making the lower-paying majors particularly problematic. The $43,937 median earnings across all programs struggles against regional housing and transportation costs.
You benefit from the low sticker price and limited debt exposure. Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the costs outright. The $6,651 median debt load stays manageable compared to four-year institutions.
PCC works best if you target high-demand technical programs like nursing or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. Avoid this school if you want general studies or business training without clear career pathways. The completion rate warns that you need strong academic habits and clear goals to finish successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasadena City College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $3,123 per year, Pasadena City College offers one of the lowest net prices in California. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which reduces the value proposition significantly.
What are the best paying programs at Pasadena City College?
Nursing programs at Pasadena City College lead to median earnings of $68,079, making them the clear financial winners. Other programs like communication studies ($26,353) and psychology ($14,935) offer much lower returns on investment.
How much debt do Pasadena City College graduates typically have?
Graduates leave Pasadena City College with a median debt of $6,651, which is relatively low for higher education. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, given the school's 41% completion rate.
Are Pasadena City College graduates earning enough to justify the education?
Graduates earn a median of $43,937 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low cost. The return depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing offering strong prospects while general studies programs show weaker earning potential.