At $2,257/yr net price, Ventura College graduates earn $43,430/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,430/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,257 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,430/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,430/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,876 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,844/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,803/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,939/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,684/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,896/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 | $74,576 | $17,523 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
42.6% of students at Ventura College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ventura College delivers solid financial value for a community college, with a net price of just $2,257 annually and relatively low median debt of $13,876. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $74,576 annually despite slightly higher debt loads.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Nursing graduates earn nearly three times the school's overall median of $43,430, making the extra debt worthwhile. Criminal justice graduates see more modest returns at $29,685, while liberal arts and business programs show weaker earning potential that may not justify even the low costs.
The 42.6% graduation rate presents a real completion risk. You face a significant chance of leaving without credentials, which eliminates any financial benefit. This risk hits hardest if you're underprepared academically or lack clear program goals.
Ventura College works best financially if you're pursuing nursing or using it as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university. The low costs make it an excellent choice for completing general education requirements before transferring. Students planning to stop at an associate degree should focus on nursing or consider whether other programs align with local job opportunities in Ventura County.
Only 25.48% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low sticker price without assistance. If you do qualify for aid, the already minimal costs could drop further, making this one of the most affordable college options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ventura College worth the cost?
At $2,257 per year, Ventura College offers strong value for students who complete their programs, especially in nursing which leads to $74,576 median earnings. However, the 42.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Ventura College?
Nursing programs at Ventura College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $74,576 annually. Business and liberal arts programs show much lower earnings at $16,169 and $25,774 respectively.
How much debt do Ventura College graduates have?
Ventura College graduates who borrow money typically owe $13,876 in student loans. Given the low annual cost of $2,257, this debt level suggests students either take longer than expected to graduate or transfer to more expensive schools.
Does Ventura College have good job placement rates?
Ventura College graduates earn $43,430 ten years after starting college, which is reasonable for a community college. The earnings vary dramatically by program, with nursing graduates making nearly three times more than business graduates.