At $5,541/yr net price, Santa Rosa Junior College graduates earn $47,224/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,224/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,541 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,224/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,224/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,623/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,318/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,032/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,767/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,269/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 | $90,678 | $14,744 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $76,460 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $75,832 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $71,015 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $68,219 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,208 |
The Risk Factor
34.3% of students at Santa Rosa Junior 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
Santa Rosa Junior College delivers strong financial returns for specific career programs while offering minimal debt risk across all majors. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $90,678 annually against just $14,744 in debt, creating an strong return on investment that rivals many four-year degrees.
Allied health fields dominate the high-earning programs, with dental support services and diagnostic professions both exceeding $75,000 in median earnings. Criminal justice graduates also perform well in Sonoma County's job market, with starting salaries around $68,000-$71,000. These technical programs align perfectly with regional healthcare systems and public safety needs.
The biggest financial risk is the low completion rate of 34%, meaning you must finish your program to see returns. However, the median debt of $9,500 keeps financial exposure minimal even if you don't complete your degree. Only 16.5% of students receive aid, suggesting most can afford the $5,541 annual cost without borrowing.
You should consider Santa Rosa Junior College if you want healthcare or technical training without the debt burden of a four-year school. The nursing and allied health programs offer particularly strong career prospects in the Bay Area's expensive job market. Skip this school if you need a bachelor's degree for your career goals or want traditional liberal arts education with transfer guarantees.
The financial aid system appears straightforward with limited complications, making cost planning predictable for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Rosa Junior College worth the cost?
Santa Rosa Junior College offers good value with a low net price of $5,541 per year and manageable debt of $9,500. However, the 34% graduation rate and $47,224 median earnings after 10 years suggest mixed results depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at Santa Rosa Junior College?
Nursing programs at Santa Rosa Junior College lead earnings at $90,678 annually, followed by allied health diagnostics at $76,460 and dental support services at $75,832. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings.
How much debt do Santa Rosa Junior College graduates have?
Santa Rosa Junior College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Rosa Junior College?
Only 34% of students graduate from Santa Rosa Junior College within the standard timeframe. This low completion rate means many students may not see the return on investment they expect from their education.