At $4,097/yr net price, Woodland Community College graduates earn $40,042/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,042/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,097 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,042/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,042/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,078/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,901/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,609/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,465/yr |
The Risk Factor
36.8% of students at Woodland 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
Woodland Community College delivers solid financial returns at a bargain price, with graduates earning $40,042 ten years after enrollment while paying just $4,097 annually in net costs. This creates one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios among California community colleges.
Your financial risk remains minimal given the low annual investment, but the 37% graduation rate means completion becomes your biggest hurdle. The college's location in California's Central Valley positions graduates well for agricultural technology, logistics, and healthcare support roles that drive the regional economy.
Career-focused programs like nursing, automotive technology, and agricultural business typically produce the strongest earnings outcomes here. Liberal arts transfers can work financially if you complete your bachelor's degree elsewhere, but stopping at the associate level limits your earning potential significantly.
Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low sticker price without borrowing. This makes Woodland particularly attractive if you want job training without student debt or need flexible scheduling while working.
You should choose Woodland if you live locally, want specific vocational training, or need affordable prerequisites before transferring to a four-year university. Look elsewhere if you require extensive student support services or want a traditional college experience, as the low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their programs.
The college works best for motivated adult learners who know exactly what they want to study and can handle the system independently. Your return on investment hinges entirely on program completion and choosing a career track that matches local job demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodland Community College worth the money?
At $4,097 per year, Woodland Community College offers one of the lowest costs in California higher education. However, the 37% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, and average earnings of $40,042 ten years later are below state medians for college graduates.
What is the ROI for Woodland Community College graduates?
Woodland Community College graduates earn an average of $40,042 annually ten years after enrollment. With the low annual cost of $4,097, students who complete their programs typically see positive returns, but the low graduation rate increases the risk of not finishing.
Which programs at Woodland Community College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest earning potential at community colleges. Students should research specific program completion rates and local job market demand, as these vary significantly by field.
How much debt do Woodland Community College students graduate with?
Community college students generally graduate with much lower debt than four-year university students due to lower tuition costs. Many Woodland Community College students qualify for financial aid that covers most or all of the $4,097 annual cost.