At $5,596/yr net price, Redlands Community College graduates earn $37,224/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,224/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,224/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,224/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,251/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,596/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,222/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 | $58,673 | $9,685 |
The Risk Factor
34.2% of students at Redlands 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
Redlands Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete their programs, with median earnings of $37,224 creating a reasonable payback period on the $5,596 annual net price. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $58,673 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt at $9,685.
The major financial risk here is the 34% graduation rate, which means two-thirds of students leave without completing their credentials. If you enroll but don't finish, you'll still carry debt without the earnings boost that makes the investment worthwhile. The relatively low debt load of $6,750 for completers helps mitigate this risk compared to four-year schools.
Your financial aid picture at Redlands looks limited, with only 22% of students receiving aid. This suggests you'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for federal Pell grants. The low overall cost means you can potentially graduate debt-free if you work part-time or save beforehand.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to finishing a specific vocational program, especially nursing, and want to avoid the debt load of a four-year degree. The Oklahoma job market for healthcare workers supports the nursing program's strong returns. However, if you're unsure about your major or have weak study habits, the high dropout rate makes this a risky investment. Students seeking broad academic exploration should look elsewhere, as the limited program options and completion challenges don't justify the cost for undecided learners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redlands Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Redlands Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,596 per year and manageable debt of $6,750. However, graduates earn $37,224 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Redlands Community College?
Nursing programs at Redlands Community College provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $58,673 annually. Other programs typically lead to much lower earnings that may not justify even the relatively low costs.
How much debt do Redlands Community College students graduate with?
Redlands Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,750, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The manageable debt load helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Redlands Community College and does it affect ROI?
Only 34% of students graduate from Redlands Community College, meaning two-thirds don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value since students who don't graduate still incur costs without earning credentials.