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 gives you one of the cheapest paths to a credential in California, with a net price under $4,000 a year and median debt of just $12,000. That debt figure is the strongest number here. You can borrow less than the cost of a used car and finish without the loan burden that follows students out of four-year universities. If you leave with a degree, repayment is manageable on almost any salary.
The catch is finishing. Only about a third of students graduate, so the low price only pays off if you're in that third. If you drop out, you've spent time and some money for no credential, and the $44,170 median earnings figure at ten years assumes you completed. That earnings number is modest, sitting near what many workers make without any college, so the return depends heavily on which program you enter and whether the local Fairfield-area job market rewards it.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so treat any specific major's payoff as unproven from these numbers alone. Pick a program tied to a clear regional employer or a transfer path to a four-year school before you enroll.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30,000 in household income, you pay about $2,594 a year. over $110,000, you pay $11,040. Even the top tier stays affordable compared to a state university, but the gap means wealthier families see less of a discount.
This school fits you if you're disciplined enough to finish and have a concrete plan, whether a transfer or a specific job. If you need structure to complete a degree, the low cost won't save you from the graduation odds.
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.