At $3,743/yr net price, Shasta College graduates earn $39,269/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,269/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,743 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,269/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,269/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,767/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,312/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,000/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,493/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,869/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 | $72,357 | $14,000 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Shasta 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
Shasta College offers solid returns for nursing students but weak outcomes across most other programs. Your median earnings of $39,269 ten years after enrollment barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, making this a questionable investment for most career paths.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $72,357 annually against just $14,000 in debt. This program delivers strong ROI in a region where healthcare jobs remain stable. However, the 29% graduation rate means fewer than one in three students actually finish their programs, creating significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.
The low net price of $3,743 per year helps limit your financial exposure, but poor completion rates suggest many students struggle with academic demands or life circumstances that prevent finishing. Your risk is spending years in school without the credentials needed for better-paying work.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and confident in your academic preparation. The program's strong earnings justify the time and modest cost. For other majors, you're better served looking elsewhere unless you specifically need the geographic convenience and can't afford alternatives.
The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid suggests limited need-based support, though the low sticker price reduces aid necessity. Focus your decision entirely on program completion likelihood rather than aid packages, since finishing your degree matters far more than small differences in upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shasta College worth the cost for most students?
Shasta College offers very low costs at $3,743 per year, but graduates earn just $39,269 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 29% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Shasta College?
Nursing programs are the clear standout at Shasta College, with graduates earning around $72,357. Other programs typically lead to much lower earnings that may not justify even the low tuition costs.
How much debt do Shasta College graduates typically have?
Shasta College graduates who borrow money typically leave with $14,250 in debt. This is manageable debt for nursing graduates but may be harder to repay for students in lower-earning programs.
Does Shasta College have good financial aid?
The net price of $3,743 per year suggests decent financial aid availability. However, the low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their programs despite the affordable costs.