At $3,869/yr net price, Solano Community College graduates earn $44,170/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,170/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,869 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,170/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,170/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,594/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,321/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,909/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,873/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,040/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 | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at Solano Community 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
Solano Community College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $44,170 ten years after enrollment against just $3,869 in annual net costs. Your total investment stays remarkably low even with the $12,000 median debt load.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $57,318 annually. This represents a significant premium over the college median and aligns well with Northern California's healthcare job market. If you're considering healthcare, Solano's nursing track offers strong earning potential at community college prices.
The 33.8% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of spending time and money without completing your program. This rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education, but it means you need realistic expectations about completion.
Solano works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, planning to transfer to a four-year school, or need specific technical training for the Bay Area job market. The low costs make it a smart choice for exploring different fields without major financial commitment. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want a traditional four-year college experience.
Only 20.8% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay the already-low sticker price out of pocket. This makes Solano particularly attractive if you don't qualify for need-based aid at pricier schools but want to minimize education debt while staying in California's expensive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solano Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
With a net price of $3,869 per year, Solano Community College offers relatively affordable education, but graduates earn $44,170 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low cost helps offset modest earnings, making it a reasonable choice if you complete your program.
What are the best paying programs at Solano Community College?
Nursing programs at Solano Community College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $57,318 annually. These healthcare programs offer significantly better returns than the school's overall graduate average of $44,170.
How much student debt do Solano Community College graduates have?
Solano Community College graduates typically have $12,000 in student debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load combined with affordable tuition makes financial risk relatively minimal.
What is the graduation rate at Solano Community College and does it affect ROI?
Only 33.8% of students graduate from Solano Community College, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly hurts the school's value since you only benefit from the investment if you actually finish.