At $3,974/yr net price, Sacramento City College graduates earn $42,214/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,214/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,974 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,214/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,214/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,785/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,040/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,044/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,939/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,033/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 | $94,784 | $14,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $55,964 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
31.4% of students at Sacramento 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
Sacramento City College delivers strong financial value for students who choose the right programs, with a net price under $4,000 annually making it one of the most affordable pathways to career training in California.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning nearly $95,000 annually with just $14,000 in debt. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that pays off the investment in roughly two years. Allied health programs also perform well, generating median earnings of $56,000 that justify the low cost of attendance.
Cosmetology programs present significant financial risk, with graduates earning just $15,552 annually. Even with minimal debt, this income barely covers basic living expenses in the Sacramento region where housing costs continue rising.
The 31% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, you may accumulate debt without completing your program. Community colleges require strong personal motivation to succeed.
This school works best for career-focused students entering healthcare fields or those using it as a stepping stone to four-year universities. The low net price makes it ideal for students wanting to minimize debt while exploring career options or completing general education requirements.
With only 25% of students receiving financial aid, most families can afford the sticker price without loans. This suggests the school primarily serves students whose income levels fall just above aid thresholds, making careful program selection critical since you will likely pay the full cost out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacramento City College worth the cost?
Sacramento City College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,974 per year and median debt of just $10,500. However, the 31% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $42,214 ten years after enrollment are modest unless you complete high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Sacramento City College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $94,784 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI at Sacramento City College. Allied health programs pay about $55,964, while cosmetology graduates average only $15,552, which barely justifies the time and cost.
How much debt do Sacramento City College students typically have?
Sacramento City College students graduate with a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, since only 31% of students complete their programs.
What is the job market like for Sacramento City College graduates?
Sacramento City College graduates earn $42,214 on average ten years after enrollment. This number varies dramatically by program, with nursing graduates earning more than double the average while cosmetology graduates struggle with low wages.