At $4,026/yr net price, Riverside City College graduates earn $41,091/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,091/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,091/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,091/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,741/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,662/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,851/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,848/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 | $75,204 | $10,000 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $32,925 | $8,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,117 | $8,000 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $17,310 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $10,617 |
The Risk Factor
32.0% of students at Riverside 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
Riverside City College delivers strong financial value for career-focused students, with a low net price of $4,026 annually and manageable debt levels. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, generating median earnings of $75,204 with only $10,000 in debt.
Your program choice will make or break your financial outcome at RCC. Nursing graduates earn nearly four times more than those in liberal arts, while cosmetology programs show concerning returns with some graduates earning just $10,617 annually. The biological and physical sciences program offers moderate returns at $32,925, making it a reasonable stepping stone to four-year programs.
The 32% graduation rate presents a significant risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without completing your program, particularly problematic given that California community colleges have struggled with completion rates. However, those who do graduate from high-demand programs like nursing enter a strong regional job market with multiple hospital systems and healthcare facilities in the Inland Empire.
RCC works best for students with clear career goals in healthcare or those using it as an affordable transfer pathway. The low cost makes it ideal if you need to work while studying or want to minimize debt before transferring. Avoid RCC if you lack direction or are considering lower-earning certificate programs without strong job placement support.
With only 33% of students receiving aid, most pay the full net price. Focus on completing quickly and maintaining good grades for potential transfer scholarships to four-year universities if your goal extends beyond an associate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverside City College worth the cost?
At $4,026 per year with median debt of only $8,000, Riverside City College offers strong value for students who complete their programs. The nursing programs justify the cost with average earnings of $75,204, while other fields like cosmetology show lower returns at $17,310.
What is the return on investment for Riverside City College?
ROI varies dramatically by program at Riverside City College. Nursing graduates earn $75,204 annually, making it a solid investment, but liberal arts graduates average just $21,117 ten years after enrollment.
Does Riverside City College have good job placement rates?
With only a 32% graduation rate, many students at Riverside City College don't complete their programs. Those who do graduate and enter nursing or healthcare fields typically find steady employment, but completion is a major hurdle.
How much debt do Riverside City College students graduate with?
Riverside City College students graduate with relatively low debt at a median of $8,000. The low cost makes it accessible, though the 32% graduation rate means many students may not finish their programs.