At $3,573/yr net price, Yuba College graduates earn $39,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,573 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,445/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,992/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 | $105,392 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $12,468 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Yuba 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
Yuba College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making it one of the best community college investments in California despite the school's low 32% graduation rate.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Nursing graduates earn nearly four times the median for all Yuba graduates, while social sciences and sciences majors face poor earning prospects that barely justify even the low $3,573 annual cost. Business programs fall somewhere in the middle but still underperform compared to similar programs at other California community colleges.
The biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. With only one in three students completing their programs, you face significant odds of leaving without a credential. This makes Yuba particularly risky for students who struggle with academic persistence or lack strong support systems.
Yuba works financially if you can secure a nursing program spot and have the academic preparation to complete it successfully. The school also makes sense for students seeking the lowest possible college costs while living at home in the Sacramento Valley region. However, students interested in transferring to four-year universities or pursuing careers in sciences should consider other California community colleges with stronger track records.
Financial aid covers fewer students here than at most community colleges, with only 28% receiving assistance. This suggests either a student body with higher family incomes or limited aid availability. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your return on this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yuba College worth the cost?
Yuba College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,573 per year, but the 32% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs. The nursing programs provide excellent ROI with graduates earning over $105,000, while other programs show mixed results.
What are the best paying programs at Yuba College?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs at Yuba College lead to median earnings of $105,392, making them the clear winners for ROI. Business programs show moderate returns around $25,000-$28,000, while social sciences and general science programs result in much lower earnings.
How much debt will I have after attending Yuba College?
Yuba College's low annual net price of $3,573 means most students can graduate with minimal debt, especially if they complete an associate degree in two years. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, which happens to about 68% of students.
Do Yuba College graduates make good money after graduation?
Yuba College graduates earn a median of $39,552 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college but varies dramatically by program. Nursing graduates do very well, while graduates in general sciences and social sciences struggle financially.