At $1,584/yr net price, Reedley College graduates earn $38,493/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,493/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,584 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $6,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,493/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,493/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $2,819 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $452/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,324/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,812/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,727/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $23,113 |
The Risk Factor
42.3% of students at Reedley 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
Reedley College delivers strong financial returns despite modest graduate earnings, with a rock-bottom net price of $1,584 annually making the investment nearly risk-free. Your median debt of $2,819 means you can pay off college costs within months of graduation even at the median salary of $38,493.
The program selection requires careful consideration. Criminal Justice graduates earn $30,771, which provides decent returns given the low cost, while Dental Support Services graduates at $23,113 face tighter financial margins. You should research specific career paths within these programs since earnings can vary significantly based on your exact role and employer.
The 42% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, even the low costs become a loss. You need strong study habits and clear career goals to succeed here. The college works best for you if you can commit fully to finishing your degree.
Financial aid covers just 28% of students, but with costs this low, most families can pay out of pocket. This makes Reedley ideal if you want to avoid student debt entirely or if you're older and returning to school without access to traditional financial aid.
You should choose Reedley if you need affordable skills training for local employment in the Central Valley. Look elsewhere if you want higher-earning career paths that require four-year degrees or if you struggle with self-directed learning in a community college environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reedley College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Reedley College offers exceptional value with a net price of just $1,584 per year and low median debt of $2,819. However, graduates earn $38,493 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates nationally.
What are the best paying programs at Reedley College?
Criminal Justice graduates from Reedley College earn around $30,771 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Dental Support Services graduates earn $23,113, which is significantly lower than the school's overall graduate average.
How much debt do Reedley College students graduate with?
Reedley College students graduate with very low debt, with a median of just $2,819. The extremely low tuition cost of $1,584 per year means most students can avoid heavy borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at Reedley College and does it affect ROI?
Reedley College has a 42.3% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the return on investment, even with affordable tuition costs.