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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff. At $3,743 a year in net price and a median debt around $14,250, your out-of-pocket risk is small. But median earnings ten years out land at $39,269, which is below what a bachelor's degree typically returns. The math works because the cost is low, not because the earnings are high.
The 29% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most. If you enroll and don't finish, you carry whatever debt you took on with none of the credential to pay it back. That risk is bigger here than the price tag suggests, because most people who start don't graduate on time. Your best move is treating this as a place to knock out affordable credits and transfer, keeping your borrowing near the low median.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $2,767 a year, and even at $48-75k you're at $6,000. Cross $110k and you're paying $10,869 , still cheap in absolute terms, but nearly four times what the lowest bracket pays. At every income level, the annual cost stays low enough that a single year of local wages covers it.
This school fits you if you're staying in the Redding area, want to hold down debt, and plan to transfer to a four-year school or move into a regional trade. It fits less well if you need a bachelor's-level salary directly from here , the earnings data doesn't support that expectation. Go in with a plan to finish or transfer, and the low cost keeps your downside contained even if things don't work out.
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.