HomeCCC Pays Off

Community colleges like CCC offer the best value in higher education. With low or no tuition and high-quality programs that lead to real careers or transfer opportunities, your investment goes further. Unlike many four-year schools, CCC lets you start earning sooner and graduate with little to no debt. That means more money in your pocket and a faster return on every dollar you invest in your future.


$100–$133

$93

$22–$43

$267–$400

Contra Costa College delivers one of the strongest returns on investment in the Bay Area. Nearly all CCC students graduate without ever having taken out a student loan.

Education
Option

Avg. Cost

Avg. Debt

Lifetime
Earnings Boost

Time to
Pay Off

CCC
(with free tuition)

$0–$1,500

$0

$400,000+

0-1 years

CSU (In-State)

$23,000

$16,000

$1,000,000+

5-8 years

UC (In-State)

$35,000

$22,000

$1,300,000+

8-10 years

Private
University

$70,000+

$30,000+

$1,300,000+

12+ years

$0–$1,500

$0

$400,000+

0-1 years

$23,000

$16,000

$1,000,000+

5-8 years

$35,000

$22,000

$1,300,000+

8-10 years

$70,000+

$30,000+

$1,300,000+

12+ years

Sources

  • Lifetime earnings data: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, “The College Payoff” (2021)
  • Cost and debt estimates: College Board’s Trends in College Pricing (2023) + CCC Foundation & institutional data
  • ROI calculation: Lifetime earnings ÷ total cost of education (assumes 2–4 years of tuition for comparability)

A Transformational Education in a Supportive Community
Small class sizes and faculty who know your name—CCC gives you the personal attention of a private college, right here in your community.

A Place to Belong and Begin Again
Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing your journey, students of all backgrounds find support, respect, and a sense of belonging at CCC.

Clear Paths to College and Career Success
Our guided pathways lead directly to CSU, UC, and top trade fields. You’ll also find hands-on opportunities like MESA STEM support and participation in the NASA Challenge.

Career Training That Gets You Hired – Fast!
Short-term programs are built with industry partners, so you can earn certificates and step into high-demand jobs without waiting years to start your career.

A Lifetime of Value Without the Burden of Debt
With most students graduating debt-free, you’ll have the freedom to pursue what matters—whether that’s transferring to a university, advancing your career, or building a better future.

Free tuition for full-time or qualifying students

99% of students graduate debt-free

Financial aid help, counseling, tutoring

Day, evening + online options

Transfer + career support

Save hundreds (or thousands) per class

99% chance of no student loan debt

Real, meaningful support services

A schedule that works for you

Being prepared and confident as you take those next steps