At $2,699/yr net price, Taft College graduates earn $38,861/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,861/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,699 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $10,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,861/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,861/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,182/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,000/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,518/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,225/yr |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at Taft 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
Taft College delivers solid financial value for a community college, with a low net price of $2,699 annually and median earnings reaching $38,861 ten years after enrollment. Your return hinges entirely on completion and program choice, as the 34% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never finish their credentials.
The vocational programs at Taft align well with regional oil industry and agriculture jobs in Kern County. Petroleum technology, welding, and heavy equipment operation typically lead to higher wages in this area, while general education transfer programs offer the strongest long-term earnings potential if you complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. Liberal arts and basic certificate programs show weaker returns given the limited white-collar job market in Taft.
Your biggest financial risk is non-completion. With only 18% of students receiving financial aid, most pay out-of-pocket, making dropout costly despite the low sticker price. The rural location limits part-time job opportunities while enrolled, so you need sufficient savings or family support to avoid working full-time during studies.
Taft works best financially if you're pursuing specific trades with local demand or using it as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. Adult learners returning for career changes often see strong returns in technical programs. Avoid Taft if you're uncertain about your major or lack the discipline for self-directed learning, as the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle without the support systems found at larger colleges.
The college offers limited merit scholarships, so your best cost strategy involves completing quickly in high-demand programs or using Taft's transfer agreements to minimize total bachelor's degree costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taft College worth the money?
Taft College offers strong value with a net price of just $2,699 per year, making it one of the most affordable options in California. However, the 34% graduation rate is concerning and means many students leave without completing their programs.
What is the return on investment for Taft College?
Taft College graduates earn around $38,861 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. The affordable tuition means less debt risk, but the low graduation rate reduces the chances of seeing any return at all.
Which Taft College programs have the best job prospects?
Taft College's career-focused programs in fields like healthcare support, skilled trades, and business tend to lead to steady employment in the Central Valley region. The college's proximity to oil and agriculture industries provides local job opportunities for relevant certificate programs.
How much debt do Taft College students typically have?
The low net price at Taft College means students can minimize debt compared to four-year schools. Many students qualify for significant financial aid that covers most costs, making this one of the more debt-friendly college options in California.